Insomnia can be a late effect experienced by cancer survivors, but researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston report that a stepped-care approach may help treat it.
Insomnia can be a late effect experienced by cancer survivors, but researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston report that a stepped-care approach may help treat it.
In an ongoing clinical trial, the researchers examined insomnia levels in 43 survivors (mostly women) of primarily breast and blood cancers. The mean time since diagnosis was 11 years. All survivors had an elevated Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score.
Each participant received an education session on basic sleep hygiene and was assessed four weeks later. Fifty-four percent (23 survivors) no longer had clinically elevated ISI scores following the single session.
However, 20 survivors reported persistent insomnia. Nine received more intense treatment, consisting of three sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a group setting, and completed the ISI again prior to therapy and at four weeks post-treatment. Following CBT, 67 percent of survivors no longer had clinically elevated ISI scores.
The researchers noted that a sleep hygiene intervention can be delivered by nonspecialists or through mobile intervention. Additionally, a short-duration group CBT intervention is effective and requires fewer resources than standard CBT insomnia treatment, they wrote.
Extending Healing Commitment to a Cancer Community
April 30th 2024It is Meaghan’s unwavering dedication to supporting children and families during a parent’s illness, along with her willingness to take her direct patient care to practices within her professional position and her community service, that allow me to say Meaghan is truly an extraordinary healer deserving of this honor.
Read More
The Essence of Remarkable Cancer Care
April 29th 2024This year marks the 18th year that CURE and Oncology Nursing News have hosted the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, which gives people the opportunity to recognize and honor the oncology nurses who have made a significant impact on their life.
Read More