Outcomes from the Moving Beyond Cancer psychoeducational, randomized, controlled trial with breast cancer patients.

TitleOutcomes from the Moving Beyond Cancer psychoeducational, randomized, controlled trial with breast cancer patients.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsStanton AL, Ganz PA, Kwan L, Meyerowitz BE, Bower JE, Krupnick JL, Rowland JH, Leedham B, Belin TR
JournalJ Clin Oncol
Volume23
Issue25
Pagination6009-18
Date Published2005 Sep 1
ISSN0732-183X
KeywordsAdult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Breast Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Patient Education as Topic, Peer Group, Psychotherapy, Quality of Life, Stress, Psychological, Treatment Outcome, Video Recording
Abstract

PURPOSE: Evidence suggests that the re-entry phase (ie, early period after medical treatment completion) presents distinct challenges for cancer patients. To facilitate the transition to recovery, we conducted the Moving Beyond Cancer (MBC) trial, a multisite, randomized, controlled trial of psychoeducational interventions for breast cancer patients.

METHODS: Breast cancer patients were registered within 6 weeks after surgery. After medical treatment, they completed baseline measures and were randomly assigned to standard National Cancer Institute print material (CTL); standard print material and peer-modeling videotape (VID); or standard print material, videotape, two sessions with a trained cancer educator, and informational workbook (EDU). Two primary end points were examined: energy/fatigue and cancer-specific distress. Secondary end points were depressive symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Perceived preparedness for re-entry was analyzed as a moderator of effects.

RESULTS: Of 558 women randomly assigned to treatment, 418 completed the 6-month assessment and 399 completed the 12-month assessment. In analyses controlling for study site and baseline depressive symptoms, VID produced significant improvement in energy/fatigue at 6 months relative to CTL, particularly among women who felt less prepared for re-entry at baseline. No significant main effect of the interventions emerged on cancer-specific distress, but EDU prompted greater reduction in this outcome relative to CTL at 6 months for patients who felt more prepared for re-entry. Between-group differences in the primary outcomes were not significant at 12 months, and no significant effects emerged on the secondary end points.

CONCLUSION: A peer-modeling videotape can accelerate the recovery of energy during the re-entry phase in women treated for breast cancer, particularly among those who feel less prepared for re-entry.

DOI10.1200/JCO.2005.09.101
Alternate JournalJ. Clin. Oncol.
PubMed ID16135469
Grant ListR01-CA63028 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States