Telephone-Delivered Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Fatigue for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients
Fatigue is a debilitating symptom affecting up to 63% of patients living with metastatic breast cancer, severely impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. However, a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may offer a promising solution.
The Challenge of Fatigue in Metastatic Breast Cancer
With over 169,000 patients living with metastatic breast cancer in the United States, addressing symptoms like fatigue has become increasingly critical. Fatigue not onyl diminishes physical energy but also interferes with emotional well-being and daily activities. Conventional treatments have fallen short, leaving a significant gap in care.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a behavioral intervention designed to promote psychological adaptability. Unlike conventional therapies that aim to reduce symptoms, ACT focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change processes. “Mindfulness involves focused attention on the present moment, including symptoms that one may be experiencing and thoughts and feelings, and having an attitude of compassionate acceptance of those experiences,” explained lead study author Catherine Mosher, PhD, a behavioral scientist at Indiana University Indianapolis.
The Study: Methods and Findings
in this clinical trial, 250 metastatic breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to receive either six weekly telephone-delivered ACT sessions or education/support. The results were striking. Participants who underwent ACT reported reduced fatigue interference with functioning and improved sleep quality.
“the [patients we] worked with in the study often reported that their sleep quality had improved because they were practicing mindfulness at bedtime and that was allowing them to feel a greater sense of peace in their life,” said senior study author Shelley Johns, PsyD, ABPP, of the Indiana University School of Medicine. “The [ACT] intervention helped participants to fall asleep with greater ease. We think that the sleep quality improved for some participants because they were practicing mindfulness, which has been shown to support enhanced sleep.”
Implications for Clinical Care
The study’s findings highlight the potential of telephone-delivered ACT as a scalable and accessible intervention for metastatic breast cancer patients.Training in ACT is already available to physicians across various disciplines, making it a feasible addition to existing care protocols.
Future Directions
The research team plans to explore the efficacy of ACT in culturally diverse cancer populations and work on disseminating the intervention more widely.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Intervention | Telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) |
| Participants | 250 metastatic breast cancer survivors |
| outcomes | Reduced fatigue interference, improved sleep quality |
| Accessibility | ACT training is available to physicians across disciplines |
| Future Plans | Explore efficacy in diverse populations and disseminate the intervention |
This study underscores the transformative potential of ACT in addressing fatigue and improving the quality of life for metastatic breast cancer patients.For more details, visit the Journal of Clinical Oncology study here.
Headline: Tele-Therapy: A Promising Remedy for Metastatic Breast Cancer Fatigue
Introduction: Metastatic breast cancer, affecting over 169,000 patients in the U.S., often brings about a persistent and debilitating symptom: fatigue. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that telephone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) may hold the key to combating this challenge and improving quality of life. We sit down with Dr. Shelley Johns, Senior Study Author and Psychologist at Indiana University School of Medicine, to discuss this groundbreaking research.
The Prevalent Challenge of Fatigue in Metastatic Breast Cancer
World-Today-News (WTN): Dr. Johns, can you start by telling us about the extent of fatigue experienced by metastatic breast cancer patients and why it’s such a critical issue?
Dr. Shelley Johns (SJ): absolutely. Fatigue is an almost worldwide symptom in metastatic breast cancer, with studies showing that up to 63% of patients experience it. It’s not just about physical exhaustion; it also interferes with emotional well-being and daily activities. The problem is, conventional treatments have fallen short, leaving a significant gap in care.
unveiling Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT)
WTN: So, what is acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and how does it differ from traditional therapies?
SJ: ACT is a behavioral intervention designed to promote psychological adaptability. Unlike conventional therapies that aim to reduce symptoms, ACT focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change processes. Mindfulness involves focused attention on the present moment, including symptoms one may be experiencing. It’s about acknowledging and accepting these feelings, rather than trying to ignore or ‘fix’ them.
Telephone-Delivered ACT: The Game-Changer
WTN: Tell us about the study and how telephone-delivered ACT was found to help reduce fatigue interference and improve sleep quality.
SJ: In our study, we randomly assigned 250 metastatic breast cancer survivors to six weekly telephone-delivered ACT sessions or education/support. The results were striking. Participants who underwent ACT reported reduced fatigue interference with functioning and improved sleep quality.Many patients reported improved sleep because they were practicing mindfulness at bedtime, allowing them to feel a greater sense of peace.
Implications for Clinical Care
WTN: Given these findings, what are the implications for clinical care, and is ACT accessible to physicians?
SJ: The study’s findings highlight the potential of telephone-delivered ACT as a scalable and accessible intervention.Training in ACT is already available to physicians across various disciplines, making it a feasible addition to existing care protocols. This coudl significantly improve the quality of life for metastatic breast cancer patients.
Looking Ahead
WTN: What are the next steps in this research?
SJ: Our team plans to explore the efficacy of ACT in culturally diverse cancer populations and work on disseminating the intervention more widely. Our ultimate goal is to help as many metastatic breast cancer patients as possible overcome this debilitating symptom.
