Citations

12005 Background: Young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 18 and 39 face unique psychosocial challenges and are at risk of experiencing significant emotional distress and poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This randomized trial evaluated the efficacy of Bright IDEAS-YA, a problem-solving skills training intervention, on reducing distress and improving HRQOL of YAs newly diagnosed with cancer. A secondary aim examined change in problem-solving ability as a potential mediator of treatment effects. Methods: A three-site randomized trial of Bright IDEAS-YA compared with enhanced usual care (EUC) enrolled YA survivors within four months of a first diagnosis of cancer. Participants were randomized 1:1 to Bright IDEAS-YA or EUC (NCT04585269). Bright IDEAS-YA is a 6-session, one-on-one intervention that teaches a systematic approach to overcome personal challenges across any life domain. EUC involved usual psychosocial care plus AYA resources. Participants completed surveys at 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, with 6 months as the primary endpoint. Validated measures included the PROMIS Depression Short Form and Anxiety Short Form (primary outcomes), the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G; primary outcome), and Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised Short Form (SPSI-R; mediator). Efficacy was tested using linear mixed effects models, run in R, examining the group x time interaction effects. Mediation was tested using the R multiple mediation analysis. Results: 344 YA (34.2% acceptance rate, M age = 30.3 years, SD = 6.3; 63% female, 37% male, < 1% non-binary) participated (100% planned enrollment), with 86% and 81% completing surveys at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Compared to baseline, the intervention arm showed statistically significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and HRQOL relative to the control group at 6 months. The intervention arm demonstrated an average reduction of 3.2 T-score points reduction in depression (95% CI [-4.9, -1.5], p < 0.001), 2.4 T-score points in anxiety (95% CI [-4.0, -0.81], p = 0.003), and 3.4 points improvement in total FACT-G (95% CI [0.34, 6.5], p = 0.029) relative to the control. These differences reflect clinically meaningful changes per published reports. Across all three models, change in total problem-solving ability (SPSI-R) was shown to mediate treatment effects, primarily due to change in the negative problem-orientation subscale. Conclusions: Bright IDEAS-YA was efficacious in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving HRQOL compared with enhanced usual care among YAs with cancer. Improvements are attributable to increased problem-solving ability, particularly by reducing the tendency to view problems as significant threats and doubt one’s ability to successfully solve problems. Clinical trial information: NCT04585269 .

12083 Background: Fatigue and sleep disturbance are prevalent during and after cancer treatment; sleep-related symptoms affect 30-50% of patients with cancer, and sleep-wake disruptions persist beyond the immediate post-surgical period in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Identifying demographic- and treatment-related factors associated with sleep-related symptoms during survivorship is critical to inform interventions for those at highest risk of sleep disturbance. Methods: Patients who were seen at least once at Mayo Clinic Rochester following an initial diagnosis of BC at age 18 or older and provided informed consent were prospectively enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry. Surveys mailed to this cohort included two 11-point numeric rating scale questions regarding difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep in the past week, with values for each ranging from 0 (no problem) to 10 (as severe as you can imagine). Participants who provided sleep-related information on the Year 1 survey (answered approximately one year after cancer diagnosis) were included. Participants were excluded if they had clinical or pathologic metastatic disease and/or recurrence prior to the Year 1 survey. Associations of sleep-related symptoms with demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using multivariate linear regression models, fitting the sleep difficulty rating scale as the outcome and clinical and demographic factors as exposures. Results: In total, 3,354 participants met inclusion criteria. The average age at BC diagnosis was 59, and most participants were female (99.3%), White (95.4%), non-Hispanic (96.2%), married (78.1%), had at least some college education (80.4%), did not report financial insecurity (76.2%), did not consume alcohol (60.6%) or smoke tobacco (93.2%), and reported at least some weekly exercise (76,6%). Sixty-two percent of participants had clinical stage 0 or I disease; 50.3% underwent lumpectomy (not mastectomy), 59.2% received radiotherapy, 34.1% received chemotherapy, and 67.2% received endocrine therapy. Overall, sleep-related symptoms were relatively low (mean rating for falling asleep = 2.1, mean rating for staying asleep = 3.1). In multivariate analyses, more difficulty falling asleep was associated with higher clinical stage (p < 0.001), more cigarettes smoked per day (p = 0.012), less moderate and/or strenuous exercise (p = 0.001), and more financial hardship (p < 0.001). More difficulty staying asleep was associated with higher clinical stage (0.003), older age (p < 0.001), more education (p = 0.011), and more financial hardship (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our cohort of BC survivors, factors associated with both increased difficulty with falling and staying asleep at one year after diagnosis are higher clinical stage and more financial hardship. Future research should explore the course of these symptoms over time and across varied treatment trajectories.

This study aimed to explore contextual elements of the cancer experience that are consistently distressing and/or psychologically traumatic, as well as explore perceptions of Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART®) and its influence on the cancer experience. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were completed by 12 participants following the completion of ART. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis to identify major themes and patterns. Four themes included: (a) Cancer as the straw that broke the camel’s back, (b) ART® is different from previous therapy, (c) Don’t need to always be looking in the rearview mirror, and (d) Importance of early psychological intervention. Participants perceived that ART® was different and potentially more effective than other types of therapy they had previously received. Results support the diagnosis of cancer and the cumulative effects of previous life events and cancer-related stressors as traumatic events.

ABSTRACTBackgroundAn estimated one‐third of cancer survivors suffer from post‐traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. PTS is associated with high levels of cancer distress, anxiety, and depression. Few evidence‐based treatments are available for PTS. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a form of trauma‐focused psychological therapy that has been found to be both safe and effective at alleviating post‐traumatic stress symptoms, psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms in non‐cancer populations.MethodsThe purpose of this single arm, pilot study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of ART for alleviating post‐traumatic stress symptoms, cancer distress, depressive symptoms and anxiety among cancer survivors, as well as to evaluate baseline characteristics of persons most likely to respond to ART. Participants were provided with five ART sessions and outcome variables were assessed at enrollment, immediately following ART, and 30 days post ART. Paired t‐tests were used to examine differences between scores at each time point. Associations between the PCL‐5 score from baseline to post 30‐day visit were assessed and other variables were examined using univariate linear regression.ResultsIn a sample of 20 cancer survivors, statistically significant decreases in PTS symptoms (p < 0.0001), cancer distress (p < 0.0001), anxiety (p = 0.0002), and depression (p < 0.0001) from pre to post intervention were present. These improvements remained 30 days post‐intervention. Higher baseline PCL‐5 scores, as well as higher scores on two subscales of the cancer distress measure were associated with response to treatment.ConclusionsFindings suggest that ART is an effective therapeutic intervention for reducing PTS symptoms and cancer distress among cancer survivors.

Introduction: The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for breast cancer survivors (MBSR [BCs]) is a stress-reducing program designed to increase cognitive functioning through four meditational practices. This randomized clinical trial aimed to determine if improvements in cognitive functioning and perceived cognitive abilities achieved from the MBSR(BC) were mediated through increased mindfulness, decreased rumination, and decreased perceived stress. Methods: Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) who met inclusion criteria of stage I, II, or III BC and received either chemotherapy (CT) or both CT and radiation were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC), or Breast Cancer Education Support (BCES) program, or to a usual care (UC) regimen. Analysis of covariance was first implemented to identify potential mediators, followed by a formal mediational analysis to evaluate the effects of MBSR(BC) on 6-, 12-, and 26-week outcomes. Results: After consent, 212 BCS were randomized to MBSR(BC) ( n = 91), BCES ( n = 90), or UC ( n = 31). The mean age was 56.5 and the majority of the BCS, 73.1%, were White and non-Hispanic. Results showed increases in “observing” as part of mindfulness as a potential mediator of MBSR(BC) effects on impairments on quality of life and logical memory at 6 months relative to UC. No mediation effects were identified for outcomes measured at 6 or 12 weeks and also when MBSR(BC) was compared with the BCES program. Discussion: These results partially supported our hypothesis that improvement in cognitive functioning would occur through increased mindfulness. Although few mediating relationships were identified, results showed a relationship between mindfulness and cognitive functioning. Both mediating relationships occurred through increases in “observing,” a subconcept of “mindfulness,” when compared to the MBSR(BC) with UC at 6 months. This study shows that mediators may help “optimize” clinical therapeutic treatment effects, thus contributing to the advancement of science. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.ClinicalTrials.gov . Registration Number: NCT02786797.

Stress is ubiquitous in our modern society and contributes to many disease states. This narrative review describes the effect of stress/distress on cancer development and progression. Seminal randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and distress management guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the Society for Integrative LinearOncology (SIO) are highlighted. We describe the physiological effects of distress, distress assessment, and management. Psychological treatments are summarized. Evidence-based lifestyle modifications and integrative therapies are reviewed in detail, including mindfulness-based techniques, yoga, guided imagery, breathing techniques, hypnosis, exercise, music therapy, qigong/Tai Chi, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and improving sleep and heart rate variability. Recognition and treatment of distress can improve quality of life. More research is needed to determine the effects of managing distress on cancer outcomes, as well as the best type and duration of intervention, noting that the benefits of interventions may be specific for patients with different cancer types.

Background Genetics may influence symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors (BCS) by moderating the effects of stress-reducing interventions, including the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR(BC)) program, to reduce symptom severity. As part of a larger clinical trial, the aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variants as moderators of MBSR(BC) on improvements among BCS in cognitive functioning and symptoms. Methods BCS ( n = 128) were randomized to MBSR(BC) or the Breast Cancer Education Support Program. Objective neuropsychological and subjective measures of cognitive performance, and psychological and physical symptoms were collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Linear mixed models were implemented to identify MBSR(BC)’s effects over time. A total of 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 20 genes known to be related to these symptoms were investigated using genomic DNA. These SNPs were tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) program effects. Results Results showed MBSR(BC) participants experienced significantly greater benefits in cognitive functioning, however, the level of benefit varied based on one’s genetic profile. Effects sizes, consistency across similar measures were investigated. Among 22 candidate SNPs, rs4680 in COMT, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs6277 in DRD2 demonstrated the strongest, most consistent positive effects in moderating MBSR(BC)’s impact on cognitive outcomes. Conclusions Although the effects were small, this translational research may potentially identify BCS with genotypes that would be most influenced by the MBSR(BC) program. These results may be used to develop personalized intervention programs tailored to the genetic profile of each breast cancer survivor who received chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02786797.

Introduction: The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program for breast cancer survivors (BCS) is designed to enhance cognitive training through formal and informal meditational practices. This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate if BCS assigned to either the MBSR(BC), Breast Cancer Education Support (BCES), or Usual Care (UC) regimens experienced greater improvements at 6, 12, and 26 weeks on objective and subjective cognitive performance. Methods: BCS ( n = 212) randomized to a three-group RCT: MBSR(BC) ( n = 91), BCES ( n = 90), or UC ( n = 31) were assessed on cognitive performance and symptoms at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Linear mixed models were fit to evaluate the effects of the MBSR(BC) program, hypothesizing ordered effect improvements: (MBSR[BC] highest, BCES intermediate, UC lowest) along with baseline characteristics evaluated as moderators. Results: Of the BCS (mean age of 57), 73% were White, and non-Hispanic, and 77% received both chemotherapy (CT) and radiation. Cognitive performance improved in all groups. Although there were no statistically significant between-group differences in cognitive outcomes, significant symptom reductions occurred for the MBSR(BC) group ( p = 0.003). Within-group effect size analysis at 26 weeks showed substantial improvements in all three groups (effect sizes >0.50) in subjective impairments and quality of life (effect size >0.50) and objective measures of cognitive performance. MBSR(BC) showed the largest within-group effect size in the reduction of fatigue (effect size = 0.81). Effect sizes occurred in the hypothesized direction for 10 of the 18 outcomes. Discussion: Although the MBSR(BC) program did not show significant differences in cognitive performance compared with BCES and UC, all groups improved and reductions in fatigue were beneficial for MBSR(BC). Results suggest that cognitive performance may improve after CT over time considering one’s natural history. Furthermore, BCS enrolled in RCTs may be more motivated to improve their health status (NCT02786797).

Abstract Objective: We examined post-traumatic reactions and quality of life in women with recurrent gynecologic cancer who underwent a pelvic exenteration (PE), a rare, potentially life-saving radical surgery associated with life-altering sequalae. Methods: Twenty-one women who had completed PE at least 6 months prior completed measures of post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, depression, and quality of life. Quality of life scores were compared to normative values for the general and gynecologic cancer populations. Results: Thirty percent of women reported clinically significant post-traumatic stress symptoms and 71% endorsed clinically significant depressive symptoms. More post-traumatic stress was associated with less post-traumatic growth, more depressive symptoms, and worse quality of life. In general, women’s quality of life was worse than the general population but comparable to women with stage III-IV ovarian cancer and women with cervical cancer. Social functioning was markedly lower in our sample and women reported more pain, diarrhea, and financial difficulties post-PE compared to published norms. There were no differences in quality of life based on age, type of PE, or cancer type. Conclusions: Findings support long-term continued symptom management and the ongoing rehabilitation of patients to optimize physical, psychological, and social well-being in PE survivorship.