Quality of Life Improvement During Chemotherapy
Quality of Life Improvement of Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy With Structured Psychological Interventions
Christian Schwegler
62 participants
Jul 31, 2021
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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
Inclusion Criteria4
- Minimum Age 18 years
- Female
- Primary breast cancer
- Receiving neo-adjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy
Exclusion Criteria4
- Verbal or cognitive deficits that are not compatible with outpatient psychotherapy
- Not consenting patients and vulnerable persons
- Psychological disorders that prevent patients from participating in the study (e.g. psychotic disorder)
- acute suicidality
Interventions
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.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT04694885