Wednesday 17 October 2018

Psychological support for patients with cancer: evidence review and suggestions for future directions

Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care, 2018 12(3) p.276-292
Hulbert-Williams, Nicholas J; Beatty, Lisa; Dhillon, Haryana M.

This article reviews contributions to the psychological literature published since January 2017. The majority of new psychological intervention research in cancer has used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based interventions. CBT has been considered a gold-standard intervention and recent evidence justifies continuation of this. Recent reviews call into question the validity of evidence for mindfulness-based interventions. A smaller number of trials using acceptance and commitment therapy, meta-cognitive therapy, dignity therapy and coaching have emerged, and whereas findings are promising, additional fully powered trials are required. Weaker evidence exists for counselling, support-based and narrative therapy interventions.