ConquerFear-HK: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Metacognition-Based, Manualized Intervention for Fear of Cancer Recurrence among Chinese Cancer Survivors.
Danielle Wing Lam Ng, Rachel Ng, Ceci Guo, Julia Chan, Richard Fielding, Julia Wei Chun Tang, Wylie Wai Yee Li, Chi Chung Foo, Ava Kwong, Simon Siu-Man Ng, Dacita Suen, Sara Fung, Oi Kwan Chun, Karen Kar Loen Chan, Amy Tien Yee Chang, Phyllis Butow, Wendy Wing Tak Lam
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a prominent clinical issue among cancer survivors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the culturally adapted ConquerFear-HK intervention in reducing FCR among Chinese cancer survivors, compared to standard survivorship care.
Methods: This assessor-masked, two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial, was conducted from June 2021 to February 2024. Cantonese- or Mandarin-speaking Chinese cancer survivors scoring ≥13 on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory Short Form (FCRI-SF) were randomized to either ConquerFear-HK, focusing on attention training, metacognition modification, acceptance, appropriate monitoring behaviour, and goal setting or active control providing standardized, multidisciplinary survivorship care. Primary outcome was changes in FCR assessed by FCRI at prior randomization, immediately post-intervention (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) post-intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses using linear mixed modelling compared outcome changes across time points. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04568226).
Results: Of the 175/220 (79.5%) participants recruited, 89 were randomized to ConquerFear-HK and 86 to control. Significant greater FCRI reductions were observed in ConquerFear-HK at T1 (mean difference = -10.66; 95% CI:-20.15, -1.16) and T2 (mean difference = -12.00; 95% CI:-21.90, -2.11) vs. the control (g = 0.33-0.36). No significant between-group differences were found at T3.
Conclusion: ConquerFear-HK demonstrates promising short-term (3-month) improvements in FCR among Chinese cancer survivors; however, no sustained benefits were found at 6 months. Possible explanations include the high attrition at 6-month follow-up, a potential early ceiling effect, unconscious therapist bias, or an accelerated adaptation effect in the intervention arm that was achieved later by the control group.
期刊介绍:
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics is a reputable journal that has been published since 1953. Over the years, it has gained recognition for its independence, originality, and methodological rigor. The journal has been at the forefront of research in psychosomatic medicine, psychotherapy research, and psychopharmacology, and has contributed to the development of new lines of research in these areas. It is now ranked among the world's most cited journals in the field.
As the official journal of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine and the World Federation for Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics serves as a platform for discussing current and controversial issues and showcasing innovations in assessment and treatment. It offers a unique forum for cutting-edge thinking at the intersection of medical and behavioral sciences, catering to both practicing clinicians and researchers.
The journal is indexed in various databases and platforms such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded, BIOSIS Previews, Google Scholar, Academic Search, and Health Research Premium Collection, among others.