Psychoneuroimmunology in Context of Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

BACKGROUND Numerous studies have proven a relationship between stress and cancer progression or recurrence, and on the other hand, positive effects of psychological and social support and interventions on cancer patients quality of life. PURPOSE This review article aims to provide an overview of recent studies that dealt with effects of psychosocial interventions on health and psychological state of breast cancer patients, from cellular and immune response over coping skills to overall survival. CONCLUSION Both short- and long-term studies have proven positive effects of psychosocial interventions on levels of stress hormones, cellular (immune) response and general patients quality of life. On the other hand, findings on overall survival are contradictory and cannot provide unambiguous conclusions.