The Association Between CBT-I Dose and Innate Immunity in Insomnia and Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients

The Association Between CBT-I Dose and Innate Immunity in Insomnia and Fatigue in Prostate Cancer Patients

The objective of this project is to test the association between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia dose (number of sessions), severity of cancer related fatigue, and levels of innate immunity biomarkers. Ultimately, this research will help to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cancer related fatigue.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and insomnia are prevalent among cancer patients and have been linked to decreases in quality of life and poorer overall survivorship. Currently, the mechanisms underlying CRF are not well understood, which has led to treatments that are only moderately effective. In addition, when compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in the general population, the treatment outcomes in CBT-I with cancer patients are subpar and, as such, this study will evaluate whether dose of CBT-I is effective in ameliorating CRF.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of organ-confined breast cancer or prostate cancer
• Received radiation treatment
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Endorse problem with both insomnia and cancer-related fatigue, as measured by the insomnia severity index, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (short form) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of obstructive Sleep Apnea
• History of narcolepsy
• Night shift work
• Distant metastatic disease at presentation
• Active drug/alcohol dependence