Psychological Interventions Prior to Cancer Surgery: a Review of Reviews

Abstract

Purpose of Review Patients with cancer who have high levels of psychological distress have poor treatment compliance and worse outcomes. This “review of reviews” provides a narrative synthesis of the impact of psychological prehabilitation interventions on individuals awaiting cancer surgery. Recent Findings Twenty reviews of prehabilitation with psychological interventions were identified. There is a trend towards improved psychological outcomes following intervention, particularly when psychologist-led. However, there was considerable heterogeneity within interventions, outcome measures, and timing of assessment precluding numeric synthesis. Methodological limitations including non-blinding, absence of stratification, and underpowered studies were also pervasive. Summary Providing psychological support early in the cancer pathway and prior to surgery has the potential to improve psychological health and outcomes. The application of existing knowledge in psycho-oncology, including distress screening, is needed in the prehabilitation setting. Consistent outcome assessments, accurate reporting of intervention components and delivery methods, and a consideration of effective systems and economical implementation strategies would facilitate advancements in this field.

The role of integrated psychological support in breast cancer patients: a randomized monocentric prospective study evaluating the Fil-Rouge Integrated Psycho-Oncological Support (FRIPOS) program

“…The Fil-Rouge Integrated Psycho-Oncological Support (FRI-POS) project is in line with the agreement of April 17, 2019, between the Italian State and its Regions, and the European Cancer Plan presented in February 2021 [31], even if it was designed following the Italian National Cancer Plan of 2016. In it, an integrated supportive intervention based on a close synergy between psycho-oncologists, medical, and nursing staff is proposed [32,33].…”

Evaluation of nutrition components within prehabilitation programs in gastrointestinal cancers: Is prehab worth the hype?

“…Patients with cancer often present with high levels of psychological distress around diagnosis and interventions, thus leading to poorer treatment compliance and worsened clinical outcomes. [19][20][21] The wellness component of prehabilitation programs focus on optimizing general well-being and mindfulness, along with effective detection and treatment of distress in cancer settings. 20,21 A prehabilitation program designed to improve patients' mental and psychological well-being improves treatment response and recovery after the operation.…”

“…20,21 A prehabilitation program designed to improve patients' mental and psychological well-being improves treatment response and recovery after the operation. [19][20][21] Common options include meditation group sessions, participation in psychoeducational sessions, or a referral to a specialized psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with experience in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Providing psychological and wellness support early and prior to surgery has the potential to improve psychological health, well-being, and clinical outcomes.…”

Brief psychological intervention to reduce psychological distress among preoperative cancer patients: A randomized, single-blind, two arm, parallel group controlled trial in a selected tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka

“…Patients often report high levels of distress following diagnosis, which can affect their ability to cope with the illness and its treatment, and impair their quality of life (Holland, 2013;Werner et al, 2012). Evidence points towards the potential of improving both psychological and treatment outcomes via provision of psychological support early in the cancer pathway prior to surgical intervention (Grimmett et al, 2022).…”