Changes of Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Fatigue in Cancer Patients 3 Months after a Video-Based Intervention

The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death, with 9.7 million deaths in 2022. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many cancer patients experience side effects that significantly impact their quality of life, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and cancer-related fatigue. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as yoga, have gained attention for their potential to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, barriers such as fatigue, pain, and transportation issues limit access to in-person yoga, leading to the growing adoption of online yoga as a viable alternative. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes research on the effectiveness of online yoga for cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases on 24 October 2024. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the CASP Checklist. Of 6266 articles initially identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising qualitative (n = 4) and quantitative (n = 10) studies. Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue. However, variability in study designs and methodological limitations complicate the evaluation of its overall effectiveness. Conclusions: Online yoga offers a practical, accessible option for cancer patients unable to attend in-person sessions, showing the potential to enhance mental and physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, the variability in study methodologies highlights the need for more standardized research to establish its role as a supportive intervention in oncology care.

Web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: A scoping review with a focus on suggestions for the development and evaluation of future interventions

PURPOSE

The objective of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and a discussion of drawbacks and possible improvements for web-based interventions identified in the reviewed studies. These steps fulfil the aim of this review, which is to offer suggestions for developing future web-based interventions based on the reviewed studies.

METHODS

Five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science) were searched. Original peer-reviewed articles, written in English, on web-based interventions for FCR were included for review. The data from the included studies was synthesised thematically.

RESULTS

We included 34 papers reporting on 28 interventions. Most of the studies in the papers were quantitative and mixed quantitative studies with a qualitative element, e.g. an interview post-intervention. Interventions were most commonly trialled with women breast cancer patients. Top three countries where studies were conducted were USA, Australia and the Netherlands. The most common theoretical framework for interventions is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), followed by mindfulness-based and mixed CBT, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relaxation approaches. FCR was the primary focus/measure in 19 Studies, in 9 studies FCR was a secondary/related outcome/measure. Overall, the evidence of efficacy of web-based interventions on FCR is mixed.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing research suggests several key points for producing more robust evidence about the effectiveness of web-based interventions for FCR. First, the studies suggest that it is a priority to better define eligibility criteria to proactively include people with higher levels of FCR. Second, there is a need for longer-term follow-up and outcome measuring period. Third, research examining the reasons for dropout from web-based interventions for FCR is critical to improve the effectiveness of web-based interventions. Fourth, while web-based interventions do not involve the costs of transportation, traveling time, space, equipment, cleaning, and other expenses, further cost utility analyses should be performed. Finally, future studies should assess how intervention accessibility, adherence, and effectiveness can be improved across different intervention designs, varying from intensive synchronous individual therapist-assisted web-based programme to blended designs combining the advantages of face-to-face and internet-based elements, to entirely self-managed programmes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Developing and evaluating more accessible FCR treatments have been identified among top international FCR research priorities (Shaw et al. 2021). While there is some evidence that web-based interventions can be as effective as face-to-face interventions, currently there is a dearth of systematic data about the ways in which the web-based modality specifically can enhance supportive care for FCR. Developing knowledge about effective web-based interventions has implications for cancer survivors as they can be presented with more accessible, low-cost and low-burden options for managing fear of cancer recurrence.

Effect of digital storytelling intervention on resilience, self-efficacy and quality of life among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To verify and compare whether the digital stories could effectively improve the resilience, self-efficacy and quality of life of postoperative NSCLC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 90 participants at baseline were randomly assigned to two groups, 45 patients per group. The intervention group received the digital storytelling intervention which includes 4 videos on different topics: positive psychological quality, cultivating healthy living habits, establishing good social support, and insisting on scientific exercise, whereas the control group received only routine care. The resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life were assessed at baseline (T0) (within 3 days before surgery), immediately after intervention (T1), one month after intervention (T2), and three months after intervention (T3). A linear mixed effects model was used to test the effects of the digital storytelling interventions on resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

RESULTS

The intervention group reported significantly greater improvements in resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life (all P < 0.001) at follow-ups than the control group after controlling for age, gender, and education level as covariates. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis results are consistent with the per-protocol, that overall time × group interactions effects were significantly different in resilience, self-efficacy, and quality of life (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The digital storytelling intervention based on lung cancer survivors' experience can effectively improve resilience, self-efficacy and quality of life in postoperative lung cancer patients. More comprehensive researches are needed to evaluate the longer-term impacts of the DST and its feasibility for those with more advanced cancer.