Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of therapist guided internet-delivered cognitive therapy (TG-iConquerFear) with augmented treatment as usual in reducing fear of cancer recurrence in Danish colorectal cancer survivors

Lyhne, Johanne M.; Smith, Allan; Frostholm, Lisbeth; Fink, Per; Jensen, Lars Henrik

doi:10.1186/s12885-020-06731-6

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…Stepped care models, such as the FEARLESS (Lynch et al, 2020 ) approach are likely to be important, but we need evidence to support the efficacy of the first step. Internet-delivered approaches would be an obvious first step, however, the first of these to be trialed produced null findings (van Helmondt et al, 2020 ), and the only other reported intervention, iConquerFear (Smith et al, 2020 ) is in the process of being evaluated (Lyhne et al, 2020 ). In the most recent meta-analysis of treatment for FCR (Tauber et al, 2019 ), only two minimal interventions were identified.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, there has been interest in developing internet-delivered interventions specifically targeting FCR. Most of these are either in early stages of development (Smith et al, 2020 ) or currently being tested (e.g., Lyhne et al, 2020 ) and the only online intervention which specifically targeted FCR/P produced largely null results (van Helmondt et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Is a Brief Online Booklet Sufficient to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Women With Ovarian Cancer?

et al. 2021

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Background: Fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR/P) is a common challenge experienced by people living with and beyond cancer and is frequently endorsed as the highest unmet psychosocial need amongst survivors. This has prompted many cancer organizations to develop self-help resources for survivors to better manage these fears through psychoeducation, but little is known about whether they help reduce FCR/P.Method: We recruited 62 women with ovarian cancer. Women reported on their medical history and demographic characteristics and completed the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF). They then read a booklet on FCR specifically created for Ovarian Cancer Australia by two of the authors (ABS and PB). One week after reading the booklet, 50/62 women (81%) completed the FoP-Q-SF and answered questions about their satisfaction with the booklet.Results: More than half of the women (35/62; 56.5%) scored in the clinical range for FCR/P at baseline. Of the completers, 93% said that they would recommend the booklet to other women. Satisfaction with the booklet was relatively high (75.3/100) and more than two-thirds of women rated it as moderately helpful or better. However, FCR/P did not change significantly over the week following reading the booklet [t(49) = 1.71, p = 0.09]. There was also no difference in change in FCR/P between women in the clinical vs. non-clinical range on the FoP-Q. Women high in FCR/P rated the booklet as less helpful in managing FCR/P (r = −0.316, p = 0.03), but overall satisfaction with the booklet was not associated with degree of FCR/P (r = −0.24, p = 0.10).Conclusions: These results suggest that a simple online FCR booklet is acceptable to women with ovarian cancer and they are satisfied with the booklet, but, it was insufficient to change in FCR/P levels. These results suggest that such resources are valued by women with ovarian cancer, but more potent interventions are necessary to reduce FCR in this population.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is a Brief Online Booklet Sufficient to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Women With Ovarian Cancer?

et al. 2021

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“…This intervention differs from iConquerFear because of the presence of the therapist through a messenger function with whom patients can communicate asynchronously. The therapist had the role of a motivator and coach, answering the questions and giving feedback on the exercises and written material [ 75 ]. A summary of the described studies is presented in Table 3 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

Cincidda¹,

Pizzoli²,

Pravettoni³

2022

JMIR Cancer

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Background Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. Objective The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. Methods We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. Results Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. Conclusions CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.

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“… 50 It is currently being evaluated. 51 Akechi et al 52 have developed a smartphone intervention, in the SMILE trial, which is currently underway and will deliver a combination of problem-solving therapy and behavioural activation in an attempt to lessen FCR/P. Finally, the FORTitude study 53 developed an eHealth intervention based on treatments for anxiety disorders but applied to FCR/P.…”

Section: Minimal Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a Stepped Care Model for Managing Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Cancer Survivors

Pradhan¹,

Sharpe²,

Menzies³

2021

CMAR

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Background: Fear of cancer recurrence or progression (FCR) is common amongst cancer survivors and an important minority develop clinically significant levels of FCR. However, it is unclear how current clinical services might best support the growing numbers of cancer survivors. Purpose: The aim of this study is to develop recommendations for future research in the management of FCR and propose a model of care to help manage FCR in the growing population of cancer survivors. Methods: This is a narrative review and synthesis of empirical research relevant to managing FCR. We reviewed meta-analyses, systematic reviews and individual studies that had investigated interventions for FCR. Results: A recent, well-conducted meta-analysis confirmed a range of moderately effective treatments for FCR. However, many survivors continued to experience clinical levels of FCR after treatment, indicating a clear need to improve the gold standard treatments. Accessibility of interventions is arguably a greater concern. The majority of FCR treatments require face-to-face therapy, with highly skilled psycho-oncologists to produce moderate changes in FCR. With increasing numbers of cancer survivors, we need to consider how to meet the unmet need of cancer survivors in relation to FCR. Although there have been attempts to develop minimal interventions, these are not yet sufficiently well supported to warrant implementation. Attempts to help clinicians to provide information which might prevent the development of clinically significant FCR have shown some early promise, but research is needed to confirm efficacy. Conclusion:The next decade of research needs to focus on developing preventative approaches for FCR, and minimal interventions for those with mild-to-moderate symptoms. When evidence-based approaches to prevent FCR or manage moderate levels of FCR are available, stepped care approaches that could meet the needs of survivors could be implemented. However, we also need to improve existing interventions for severe FCR.

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Study protocol: a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of therapist guided internet-delivered cognitive therapy (TG-iConquerFear) with augmented treatment as usual in reducing fear of cancer recurrence in Danish colorectal cancer survivors

Cited by 9 publications

References 66 publications

Is a Brief Online Booklet Sufficient to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Women With Ovarian Cancer?

Is a Brief Online Booklet Sufficient to Reduce Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Women With Ovarian Cancer?

Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review

Towards a Stepped Care Model for Managing Fear of Cancer Recurrence or Progression in Cancer Survivors

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