Psycho-oncology

Our medical research library holds 7 studies published in Psycho-oncology (1998–2025). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 6 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 1 study PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: Wiley
• Published: 1992 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1057-9249 (print), 1099-1611 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Psychological Distress in Patients With Asbestos-Related Diseases and Their Families: A Systematic Literature Review. I.G. Franzoi, M.D. Sauta, M. Bonafede, et al. 2025;34(1):e70051. Systematic review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is currently recognized as one of the leading causes of work-related deaths, with more than half of deaths attributable to cancer.

  Aims: The aim of this systematic literature review was to investigate the mental health and psychological distress of patients affected by asbestos-related diseases and their caregivers.

  Methods: The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were identified in October 2023 by searching four electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycInfo/PsycArtcicles. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI checklist.

  Results: Fourteen articles were identified. The studies focused exclusively on the psychological distress of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM) and their caregivers. MM appears to have traumatic effects on both patients and caregivers, who may experience anxiety and depression, an impoverished emotional life, somatization, social withdrawal, and a deterioration in their quality of life. In addition, a need for information about MM, its progression and associated care tasks was identified, and patients and caregivers reported frequently seeking information from online sources.

  Conclusions: Our review has shown that there are still few studies addressing psychological distress in MM patients and their caregivers, and none addressing distress in the context of other asbestos-related diseases. The somatopsychic consequences of MM in patients and caregivers should encourage institutions and health professionals to develop assessment and intervention models that are tailored to the specific suffering and needs of MM patients and their caregivers and promote their residual vitality.

  © 2025 The Author(s). Psycho‐Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

• Preliminary validation of a questionnaire assessing psychological distress in caregivers of patients with malignant mesothelioma: Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool-Caregivers. M. Bonafede, C. Chiorri, D. Azzolina, et al. 2022;31(1):122-129. Systematic review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: To develop a short, flexible, and comprehensive tool to measure psychological distress in caregivers of malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients: the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool-Caregivers version (MPDT-C).

  Methods: Based on a systematic review of the relevant literature, aspects associated with caregiver distress were derived. Expert researchers/clinicians developed a pool of items for each identified aspect. Content validity was assessed through a multiple mixed-methods approach. A multicenter study was conducted to explore the factorial structure of the 47-item MPDT-C through Bayesian factor analysis.

  Results: The Bayesian exploratory factor analysis revealed an underlying three-factor structure. Factors were labeled Secondary Traumatic Stress, Engagement in Caring, and Meaningful Cognitive Restructuring. All scales showed sufficient reliability and corrected item-total correlations. Females scored higher than males for Engagement in Caring.

  Conclusions: Taking care of malignant mesothelioma patients is a stressful process that influences the caregiver's physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Our study offers preliminary evidence in support of the adequate psychometric properties of the MPDT-C, and these should now be replicated. Results suggest that the MPDT-C is a reliable tool with which to detect the psychological distress of this traumatized population.

  © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

• What are the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and their carers? A scoping review. V. Sherborne, J. Seymour, B. Taylor, et al. 2020;29(10):1464-1473. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: Despite recent advances in research, malignant mesothelioma remains an incurable and devastating disease, typically bringing shock and emotional distress to patients and carers. Little research has addressed the psychological impact on either group. This scoping review examines the current state of evidence on the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and carers, and identifies areas for further research.

  Methods: We searched PubMed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science for English-language peer-reviewed research articles published 1981 to 2019 reporting studies focussing on the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and carers. Following data extraction and quality appraisal, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes.

  Results: Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. Carers' experiences were generally amalgamated with patients'. Three themes were developed. The Passing of Time included the importance of timing of interventions; delays in the medical journey; awareness of different time-phases in mesothelioma; and uncertainty/certainty. Dealing with Difficult Feelings reflected ubiquitous negative emotions, feelings about identity and states of being and associated coping strategies. Craving Good Communication covered issues related to sharing of information and to positive/negative aspects of communication.

  Conclusions: Though limited, the evidence indicates that mesothelioma, with its high symptom-burden, incurability, rarity and asbestos-related causation, leads to complex and inter-relating psychological effects on patients and carers. These effects are both negative and positive. The sparse literature gives a partial picture and demonstrates an urgent need for more nuanced research. Studies exploring the experiences of specific groups are recommended, with particular attention required to carers.

  © 2020 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

2010s

• Changing health behaviour with rehabilitation in thoracic cancer: A systematic review and synthesis. J. Bayly, D. Wakefield, N. Hepgul, et al. 2018;27(7):1675-1694. Meta-analysis · Systematic review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objectives: International guidelines recommend that rehabilitation be offered to people with thoracic cancer to improve symptoms, function, and quality of life. When rehabilitation interventions require a change in behaviour, the use of theory and behaviour change techniques (BCTs) enhance participation. Our objective was to systematically identify BCTs and examine their use in relation to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model and known enablers and barriers to engagement in this population.

  Method: Bibliographic databases and grey literature were searched for controlled trials of rehabilitation interventions for adults with lung cancer or mesothelioma, with no limits on language or date. Data on the application of behavioural change theory and BCTs were extracted, categorised using the BCT Taxonomy (v1) and described according to the "Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour" model.

  Results: Twenty-seven studies of exercise (n = 15) and symptom self-management (n = 12) interventions were identified. Four studies reported use of behavioural change theory; one study used symptom theory. Across studies, a mean (range) of 7 (1-18) BCTs were used, representing 26 of 93 possible BCTs included in the taxonomy. Most frequent enabling BCTs were "instructions on how to perform behaviours" (74%), "behavioural practice" (74%), and "action planning" (70%). BCTs to address barriers were less frequent and included "information about health consequences" (22%) and "verbal persuasion about capability" (7%) to change perceptions about benefits, burden, and harms.

  Conclusion: The application of behavioural change tools appears sub-optimal in this group of patients. Explicit use of BCTs targeting behavioural components upon which outcomes depend may improve the uptake and effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.

  Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

• 'It's all bad news': the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A. Arber, L. Spencer. 2013;22(7):1528-33. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: This study explores patient's experience during the first 3 months following a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

  Methods: This study uses a grounded theory approach with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 10 patients during the first 3 months following diagnosis.

  Results: The key concept that emerged from the data was this: Uncertainty and lack of control leading to emotional, physical and psychosocial distress. Three themes informed the key concept: ' it's all bad news', 'good and bad days' and strategies of amelioration. Patients worked with a short-term perspective on their illness but worried about the long-term outcome and the speed of their deterioration.

  Conclusions: Patients receive insufficient psychosocial support during the first 3 months following diagnosis. An early palliative care referral would improve support and referral strategies during the first 3 months of the disease.

  Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

• A tailored, supportive care intervention using systematic assessment designed for people with inoperable lung cancer: a randomised controlled trial. P. Schofield, A. Ugalde, K. Gough, et al. 2013;22(11):2445-53. Randomized trial PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Objective: People with inoperable lung cancer experience higher levels of distress, more unmet needs and symptoms than other cancer patients. There is an urgent need to test innovative approaches to improve psychosocial and symptom outcomes in this group. This study tested the hypothesis that a tailored, multidisciplinary supportive care programme based on systematic needs assessment would reduce perceived unmet needs and distress and improve quality of life.

  Methods: A randomised controlled trial design was used. The tailored intervention comprised two sessions at treatment commencement and completion. Sessions included a self-completed needs assessment, active listening, self-care education and communication of unmet psychosocial and symptom needs to the multidisciplinary team for management and referral. Outcomes were assessed with the Needs Assessment for Advanced Lung Cancer Patients, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer and European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Q-C30 V2.0.

  Results: One hundred and eight patients with a diagnosis of inoperable lung or pleural cancer (including mesothelioma) were recruited from a specialist facility before the trial closed prematurely (original target 200). None of the primary contrasts of interest were significant (all p > 0.10), although change score analysis indicated a relative benefit from the intervention for unmet symptom needs at 8 and 12 weeks post-assessment (effect size = 0.55 and 0.40, respectively).

  Conclusion: Although a novel approach, the hypothesis that the intervention would benefit perceived unmet needs, psychological morbidity, distress and health-related quality of life was not supported overall.

  Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

1990s

• Stress associated with asbestosis: the trauma of waiting for death. Y. Barak, A. Achiron, Z. Rotstein, et al. 1998;7(2):126-8. PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  This brief report asked whether knowing that one may later develop mesothelioma is enough to cause psychiatric illness. Sixteen male electrical power plant workers had been exposed to asbestos between 1946 and 1965, for a mean of 18.2 years. In 1992, after four of them died of mesothelioma, the remaining 12 had lung function tests and chest CT scans. All 12 were diagnosed with chronic, fibrosis-like lung disease due to asbestosis. Their mean age at diagnosis was 61.2 years (range 55–66). The plant's physician told them of their condition as a group, saying they were at risk of 'cancer' and that their colleagues had died of such a disease. Over the next 12 months they reported anxiety, depressed mood, nightmares, sleep disturbances and anhedonia, and were referred for psychiatric evaluation a year later. As part of a psychiatric interview, the authors used the Revised PTSD Inventory, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Impact of Events Scale. Six workers (50%) were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those with PTSD had a mean Hamilton anxiety score of 16.4, compared with 3.1 in those without (p<0.001). They also had higher intrusion scores (31.5 vs 4.7) and avoidance scores (35.6 vs 7.2). Breathing disability did not differ between the groups. The authors suggested that the anticipation of death may have created a post-traumatic syndrome in which the trauma is the knowledge of future death.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

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