Mind-body Resiliency Intervention for Fear of Cancer Recurrence

IN FOCUS: A Multimodal Mind-Body Intervention for Fear of Recurrence Among Cancer Survivors

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of a virtual, group mind-body resiliency intervention adapted to target fear of recurrence (FOR) among cancer survivors.

This is a randomized pilot feasibility trial (1:1 intervention versus usual care; a referral to community-based cancer survivor support group) that will use mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a virtual, group mind-body resiliency intervention adapted to target fear of recurrence (IN FOCUS) among cancer survivors with clinically elevated fear of recurrence (N = approximately 64).

Patient-reported outcomes on psychological and behavioral outcomes will be measured at T0 (baseline), T1 (post-intervention/approximately two months post-baseline), and T2 (three months post-intervention/approximately five months post-baseline). Exit interviews will be conducted after the T1 survey. Participants are expected to be in the study for approximately five months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of non-metastatic, localized, or regional solid or blood malignancy(ies)
• Completion of primary cancer treatment (i.e., radiation, surgery, chemotherapy) and/or current use of long-term maintenance hormonal or biologic therapy
• Age ≥18 years
• Elevated fear of recurrence (FCRI severity score ≥16)
• MGB/BIDMC Medical Record Number (MRN)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported inability to speak and write in English
• Undertreated serious mental illness as defined by history of suicidality, psychosis, and/or psychiatric hospitalization in the past year
• Inability to access technology and/or sufficient internet to participate virtual groups sessions