Study shows effects of therapy on quality of life may not persist over time
New research shows that focusing on cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being through therapy interventions improves the patient’s quality of life considerably during cancer treatment.
The randomized trial by Mayo Clinic researchers included 113 patients receiving radiation therapy at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center for advanced cancer. Most participants were in their late 50s, and almost two-thirds (63%) were male. During treatment, half of the study participants continued with their own psychosocial routine. The other half attended a formal, 90-minute program 3 days a week. The program was developed by Mayo Clinic cancer care specialists and included physical therapy, discussions, and stress reduction exercises.
According to study results, these therapy interventions can have a positive impact on cancer patients’ quality of life. However, a follow-up questionnaire performed 6 months after treatment indicated unsatisfactory improvement in quality-of-life measurements over time among the program participants.
Study findings are published in Cancer.
Source: Mayo Clinic.
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