A Pilot Mind-Body Resiliency Intervention Targeting Fear of Recurrence among Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective: Interventions for fear of recurrence (FOR) of cancer have nominal effects, perhaps due to limited integration of empirically supported skills. This pilot trial tested the acceptability and feasibility of a multimodal, mind-body resiliency intervention targeting FOR among survivors of various cancers.

Methods: Early stage cancer survivors 3-30 months post-treatment were recruited to participate in an eight-session in-person mind-body resiliency group intervention that taught relaxation skills, cognitive-behavioral techniques, healthy lifestyle behaviors, mindfulness meditation, and positive psychology skills all targeted for FOR. Primary outcomes were feasibility (enrollment rate, session attendance, survey completion, skills practice) and acceptability (enjoyableness, convenience, helpfulness, relevance). Patient-reported outcomes (FOR, uncertainty intolerance, cancer-related uncertainty, perceived stress, resiliency, positive affect, and coping skills) were collected at baseline, post-intervention, +1 month, and +3 months. Exit interviews assessed survivors' reported benefits.

Results: Participants (N = 4 groups, 23 survivors, enrollment response rate = 58%) included survivors of seven common cancer types who were on average 12 months post-treatment. Attendance was high (M = 6.1 sessions), and 96% of survivors completed all surveys. Sustained increases in relaxation skills practice 3+ days/week were reported (baseline = 16%, post-intervention = 76%, +3 months = 71%). Most sessions (87%) were rated as highly or very highly acceptable. Moderate-to-large (d = 0.87) improvements in FOR severity were observed post-intervention (p < .01) and across assessments (p < .01), with similar changes observed in other patient-reported outcomes. Exit interviews revealed behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and existential benefits.

Conclusions: The targeted mind-body resiliency intervention shows promising acceptability, feasibility, and favorable changes in FOR and coping skills practice. Further adaptation and testing in a randomized trial are warranted. ClinicalTrials.govRegistration Number: NCT03695406.

Keywords: Cancer; Fear of recurrence; Intervention; Mind-body; Resiliency.

Conflict of interest statement

Declarations of interest:

none. All authors have no competing interests to declare.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1:

CONSORT Flow Diagram

Figure 2:

Identified themes and exemplary quotes from qualitative exit interviews