Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. The PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of CBT in cancer survivors were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as an effect size indicator. Fifteen studies were included. For the depression score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, SMD (95% confidence interval [CI])=0.88 (0.46, 1.29), P<0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 0.83 (0.09, 1.76), P=0.08; pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 0.92 (0.27, 1.58), P=0.006; and pre-treatment versus 12-month follow-up, 0.21 (-0.28, 0.70), P=0.40. For the anxiety score, the pooled results of the random effects model were as follows: pre-treatment versus post-treatment, 0.97 (0.58, 1.36), P<0.001; pre-treatment versus 3-month follow-up, 1.45 (-0.82, 3.72), P=0.21; and pre-treatment versus 6-month follow-up, 1.00 (0.17, 1.83), P=0.02). The pooled result of the fixed effects model for the comparison between pre-treatment and the 12-month follow-up was 0.10 (-0.16, 0.35; P=0.45). The subgroup analysis revealed that the geographical location, treatment time and treatment form were not sources of significant heterogeneity. CBT significantly improved the depression and anxiety scores of the cancer survivors; such improvement was maintained until the 6-month follow-up. These findings support recommendations for the use of CBT in survivors of cancer.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on anxiety and depression in cancer survivors. The findings showed that CBT significantly improved the depression and anxiety scores of the cancer survivors, and this improvement was maintained until the 6-month follow-up.