Vol. 19 No. 3 (2025)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3654

Effects and mechanisms of CBT-based psychological nursing for anxiety/depression in diabetes-pancreatic cancer patients

by Yan Zhang, Xue Yin, Meng Wang, Yaling Chen, Yuan Zhu

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 148 Views

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by pancreatic cancer is associated with a high prevalence of anxiety and depression, yet current treatments predominantly focus on physiological management. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective psychological nursing interventions to address emotional distress and improve overall patient outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the impact of psychological nursing interventions grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are also facing complications from pancreatic cancer. Additionally, we aim to examine the cognitive regulation mechanisms involved in this process. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out with 78 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who also had pancreatic cancer. The participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group, each consisting of 39 individuals. The control group received standard medical care and routine nursing, while the intervention group participated in a 12-week cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) psychological nursing intervention alongside standard care, followed by a 12-month follow-up. Various factors, including anxiety, depression, cognitive regulation strategies, quality of life, self-efficacy, and clinical indicators, were evaluated at baseline, after the intervention, and during the follow-up period. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: The patients in the intervention group experienced a marked reduction in anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) scores when compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a notable enhancement in cognitive regulation abilities, as evidenced by higher scores on the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) and lower scores on the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) relative to the control group (p < 0.001). Over time, both quality of life (measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30) and self-efficacy (assessed by the GSES) scores showed significant improvement, with clear distinctions between the two groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, clinical indicators such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and CA19-9 levels demonstrated more substantial improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CBT psychological nursing significantly alleviated anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with T2DM complicated by pancreatic cancer, optimized cognitive regulation mechanisms, improved quality of life and self-efficacy, and indirectly enhanced metabolic and tumor marker levels. These findings underscore its significant clinical application value.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3740

Clinical practice and research on the psychological cognitive ability under the IKAP model in postoperative flap healing and psychological influencing factors in breast cancer

by Lingli Zhang, Kun Huang, Honglin Du, Chunchun Wu, Binqiong Luo, Xiuqin Yang

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 46 Views

Objective: To investigate the impact of psychological cognitive ability on flap healing and psychological factors in postoperative breast cancer (BC) individuals under the Information-Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (IKAP) model. Methods: A total of 123 postoperative BC individuals treated at our hospital between April 2022 and April 2023 were selected for the study. They were randomly assigned into a control group (CG, routine nursing model, n = 61) and an observation group (OG, IKAP model-based psychological cognitive ability intervention, n = 62) using a random number table method. The observation group, on the basis of routine care, combined the IKAP model for psychological and cognitive ability intervention. This included providing personalized health education information, enhancing the patients’ knowledge level, changing their attitudes towards the disease, and promoting the implementation of healthy behaviors through psychological counseling and practical training. The healing rates, healing times, and differences in cognitive ability, psychological status, and quality of life scores before and after the intervention were compared involving the two groupings. The impact of cognitive ability on flap healing and psychological factors was also analyzed. Results: After 2 weeks of intervention, the healing rate in the OG was higher than that of the CG [72.58% (45/62) vs. 54.10% (33/61)] (χ² = 4.527, P = 0.033). The healing time in the OG was shorter than in the CG, but the difference was not considerable (P > 0.05). After 2 weeks of intervention, the two groups showed differences in their Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scores [(7.73 ± 1.61) vs. (6.08 ± 1.53)], and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) scores [(92.38 ± 6.43)], with the OG showing more significant improvements (P < 0.05). Compared to the unhealed group, the healed group had higher FACT-Cog and FACT-B scores, and lower HADS scores (P < 0.05). Cognitive ability directly predicted flap healing (β = 0.521, P < 0.001) and also influenced it indirectly through psychological factors (β = 0.537, P < 0.001). The mediating effect of psychological factors accounted for 69.17%, and the direct effect of cognitive ability accounted for 30.65%. This shows that cognitive ability affects flap healing both directly and indirectly through psychological changes. Conclusion: The IKAP model can significantly enhance patients’ cognitive ability and quality of life, shorten healing time, and, through the mediation of psychological factors, further promote flap healing. This provides a new perspective and method for comprehensive rehabilitation in postoperative BC patients.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4157

Integrating psychological health management and Fluorine-18 nuclear medicine nursing in cancer treatment: An innovative model for enhanced radiation protection

by Yinming Zou, Yu Bai

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 63 Views

Background: Fluorine-18 (F-18) nuclear medicine procedures often cause cancer patients undergoing the treatment to experience severe psychological distress, while also exposing healthcare workers to occupational radiation exposure. The study aimed to evaluate the integration of psychological health management with the Radiation-Sensitive Nursing Care Model (R-SNCM) to improve patient treatment outcomes, compliance, and healthcare worker safety. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care cancer center from January 2022 to December 2023. The study involved 236 participants, including 200 cancer patients and 36 healthcare professionals. The R-SNCM framework included patient education, emotion monitoring using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and advanced radiation safety protocols. Outcomes were assessed through psychological scores, radiation exposure indicators, patient satisfaction, and surgical compliance. Statistical analyses were performed through paired t-tests, repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression. Results: After the intervention, the psychological distress of patients significantly decreased, with anxiety scores reducing from 10.6 ± 3.1 to 7.3 ± 2.6 and depression scores decreasing from 9.4 ± 3.5 to 6.5 ± 2.8 (p < 0.001). The monthly radiation exposure of healthcare workers was observably reduced, from 2.6 ± 0.5 mSv to 1.8 ± 0.4 mSv (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction scores increased from 3.8 ± 0.7 to 4.6 ± 0.4 (p < 0.001), and surgical compliance improved to 95% in the intervention group compared to 81% in the control group (p < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that attendance at training sessions (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.85, p < 0.001) and baseline anxiety scores (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) were significant predictive factors of compliance and psychological improvement, respectively. Conclusion: The integration of psychological health management with the R-SNCM significantly improved psychological outcomes, patient compliance, and satisfaction, while reducing radiation exposure for healthcare workers. These findings support the adoption of this model as a holistic approach to cancer care.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4154

Effects of Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion on post-stroke cancer patients

by Zhongqiong Li, Yumei Chen, Mingyue Li

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 18 Views

Background: Due to the combined effects of stroke and cancer treatment, post-stroke cancer patients face the multiple burdens of psychological distress, sleep disorders, and declined quality of life. Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion, a therapeutic approach combining traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical concepts, aims to alleviate these challenges by regulating qi and blood through acupoint stimulation. This study explored the effects of Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion on psychological distress, sleep disorders, and quality of life in post-stroke cancer patients, with a specific focus on hypertension as a comorbidity. Methods: A case-control study recruited 60 participants who were assigned to either the treatment group (Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion) or the control group (standard care). Psychological distress, sleep quality, and quality of life were assessed using standardized scales, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Blood pressure was measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. Paired t-tests were used for intra-group comparisons, and independent t-tests were applied for inter-group differences. Results: At 12 weeks, the treatment group showed significant improvements on all measures. Anxiety (HADS-A) decreased from 14.2 (SD = 3.4) to 5.1 (SD = 2.0) (p = 0.02), and sleep quality (PSQI) improved from 8.7 (SD = 2.3) to 3.2 (SD = 1.6) (p < 0.0001). Quality of life, including physical (from 57.3 to 85.4) and emotional (from 45.8 to 80.1), significantly improved (p = 0.01 and p = 0.002, respectively). Blood pressure reductions in the treatment group were also significant, with systolic pressure dropping from 142.3 (SD = 12.5) to 118.6 (SD = 8.9) (p = 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed modest improvements in anxiety (from 13.9 to 10.4), sleep quality (from 8.3 to 6.7), and blood pressure (from 140.8 to 133.2). Conclusion: Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion not only significantly improved the psychological distress, sleep quality, and quality of life of post-stroke cancer patients but also effectively reduced hypertension. These findings suggest that Wu’s Long-Snake-Like Moxibustion may be an effective complementary therapy for managing the complex needs of this patient population.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4247

Improvement of anxiety in adolescent cancer patients with music therapy treatment

by Wenjia Zhao

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 0 Views

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of structured music therapy interventions in alleviating anxiety symptoms among adolescent cancer patients through dual neuroendocrine and psychological mechanisms, specifically by modulating serotonin metabolism and enhancing stress adaptation capacities. Methods: Thirty-eight adolescents (aged 12–19 years) diagnosed with cancer-related anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to either a music therapy group (n = 19) receiving biweekly 50-min sessions (24 sessions over 12 weeks) combined with standard care or a control group (n = 19) receiving standard care alone. The multimodal assessment protocol included 1) biochemical markers (serum 5-HT and salivary cortisol levels), 2) standardized psychological instruments (Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI] and Daily Hassles Questionnaire [DHQ]), and 3) semi-structured clinical interviews. Outcome measures were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week follow-up. Results: The music therapy group demonstrated significant neuroendocrine improvements compared to controls, with a 28.6% mean increase in 5-HT levels (95% CI 18.4–38.8%, p = 0.007) and a 34.1% reduction in cortisol concentrations (95% CI 25.3–42.9%, p = 0.003) post-intervention. Psychological assessments revealed clinically meaningful reductions in BAI scores and DHQ stress frequency scores. Treatment effects remained stable at follow-up (p > 0.05 for time interaction). No significant changes were observed in control group parameters across measurement periods. Conclusion: Systematic music therapy induces durable anxiolytic effects in adolescent oncology patients through coordinated neurobiological and psychological pathways, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy in pediatric psycho-oncology. The dual modulation of serotoninergic activity and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation provides mechanistic insights for non-pharmacological anxiety management.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4292

Problems of psychological assistance to patients with neurofibromatosis type I

by R. N. Mustafin

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 79 Views

Neurofibromatosis type I is one of the most common hereditary tumor syndromes and is characterized by the development of multiple skin and subcutaneous tumors on the body, disfiguring the appearance of patients. The literature search strategy on psychological care for patients with neurofibromatosis type I included searching for relevant articles in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Half of patients with neurofibromatosis type I develop plexiform neurofibromas, which can compress internal organs, deform the face or limbs, and impair self-care and social adaptation. Surgical methods are used to treat cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas, but the number of these tumors is increasing, causing serious psychological trauma to patients. In this regard, common problems of patients with neurofibromatosis type I, in addition to tumor damage, are psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and distress. These disorders worsen the quality of life of patients and require qualified psychological assistance. This article examines the nature and frequency of psychological disorders in patients with neurofibromatosis type I, as well as problems associated with the availability of psychological assistance. Measures are proposed for the timely identification of distress, anxiety and depression in patients and their treatment with routing for consultations with the necessary specialists. An analysis of the scientific literature shows a lack of publications in the field of research into the psychological problems of patients with neurofibromatosis type I compared to cancer patients. Future directions of research in this area should involve active involvement of department staff, psychotherapists and psychologists in the examination of patients with neurofibromatosis type I throughout the world.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 3744

Effects of a computer-based applications intervention on anxiety, depression and quality of life among lung cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

by Qingmei Ju, Kim Lam Soh, Putri Binti Yubbu, Yang Liu

Psycho-Oncologie, Vol.19, No.3, 2025; 80 Views

Objectives: Lung cancer is associated with higher anxiety and depression than other cancers, accelerating the deterioration of the quality of life (QoL). There is a limited comprehensive evaluation about computer-based intervention (CBI) which uses technological approaches to manage these issues. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy of CBI in mitigating anxiety and depression while enhancing quality of life among lung cancer patients. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines; it has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023397575). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 31 December 2024 were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Embase database. The primary outcomes assessed were quality of life, anxiety, and depression. The results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 3018 patients were included in 12 randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between CBI and usual care, significantly improved QoL (SMD = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.36 to 5.47, p < 0.00001, I² = 97%), anxiety (SMD: −0.63, 95% CI: −1.04 to 0.22, p = 0.002, I² = 79%) and depression (SMD: −0.47, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.36, p < 0.00001, I² = 0%). Conclusions: Computer-based applications intervention has been demonstrated to significantly reduce anxiety and depression and improve QoL among lung cancer patients.