Web-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Severe Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

We investigated the feasibility of a web-based cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce cancer-related fatigue (CRF) among survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma. In this before-and-after trial, patients were primarily recruited via the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG). We assessed feasibility (response and drop-out rate) and preliminary efficacy including CRF, quality of life (QoL), and depressive symptomatology. T tests compared baseline levels with t1 (post treatment) and t2 (3 months of follow-up). Among 79 patients contacted via the GHSG, 33 provided interest (42%). Among the seventeen participants, four were treated face-to-face (pilot patients), 13 underwent the web-based version. Ten patients completed the treatment (41%). Among all participants, CRF, depressive symptomatology, and QoL improved at t1 (p ≤.03). The effect in one of the CRF measures remained at t2 (p =.03). Except for QoL, post-treatment effects were replicated among the completers of the web-based version (p ≤.04). The potential for this program has been demonstrated, but needs to be re-assessed after identified issues on feasibility have been resolved. Trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Number: NCT03968250).