RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT04694885

Quality of Life Improvement During Chemotherapy

Quality of Life Improvement of Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy With Structured Psychological Interventions

Sponsor

Christian Schwegler

Enrollment

62 participants

Start Date

Jul 31, 2021

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Breast Cancer Female Chemotherapy Effect

Summary

This study is a randomized controlled trial, taking place at the University Hospital Basel (CH). It aims at the alleviation of breast cancer patients' life quality during chemotherapy. The intervention group will participate in 10 sessions of structured hypnotherapy during the course of chemotherapy in addition to the standard of care. The control group will have access to the standard of care without any additional treatment. The main goal of the study is to investigate whether quality of life is higher among patients in the intervention group. Additionally, it will be analyzed if the interventions have a positive effect on chemotherapy side effects, symptoms of anxiety and depression and the immune system. Finally, the relative dose intensity (RDI) as well as treatment schedule adherence will be assessed. There are no risks to be expected from the intervention itself. In the case of positive findings, the standard of psycho-oncological care can be updated by integrating structured hypnotherapeutic interventions into the treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study offers psychotherapy support to women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, to see if it improves their quality of life and emotional wellbeing during treatment. It is focused on addressing the psychological burden of cancer treatment. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a woman aged 18 or older - You have primary (non-metastatic) breast cancer - You are currently receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy before or after surgery) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have speech or cognitive problems that prevent you from participating in outpatient psychotherapy - You have a serious psychiatric disorder (such as a psychotic illness) - You have active suicidal thoughts or behavior - You have not consented to participate Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALStructured Hypnotherapy

The Intervention includes 10 structured hypnotherapy sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes. During hypnosis, patients reach a trance-like state comparable to a deep relaxation. The therapist guides the patient verbally and also communicates with the patient. Patients will be supported to use their own imagination without suggesting any imagery. By repeatedly asking what the patient is perceiving, and by verbally repeating what the patient is saying, the therapist can help the patient to go deeper into trance. In these trance states the patient learns to reduce negative side effects of the chemotherapy and increase the quality of life by activating both physical and mental resources using imagination and focusing on positive memories and feelings.