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Decrease in depression symptoms is associated with longer survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a
Janine Giese-Davis1, Kate Collie, Kate M S Rancourt
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. jgieseda@ucalgary.ca
Summary
Reducing depression symptoms in women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) over one year was linked to significantly longer survival. This finding highlights the potential impact of mental health on cancer outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Comorbidity of depression and cancer is well-documented.
- Some evidence suggests depression impacts cancer progression and survival.
- Few studies have investigated the association between changes in depression symptoms and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if decreasing depression symptoms over the first year of a study is associated with longer survival in women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
- To analyze data from a randomized trial of supportive-expressive group therapy.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a randomized trial involving 125 women with MBC.
- Depression symptoms measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) at baseline and follow-up.
- Cox proportional hazards analysis used to assess the association between changes in CES-D scores and survival.
Main Results:
- Median survival was 53.6 months for women with decreasing CES-D scores versus 25.1 months for those with increasing scores.
- A significant association was found between decreasing depression symptoms and longer survival (P = .007).
- No significant interaction between treatment and depression change was observed; demographic or medical factors did not explain the association.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing depression symptoms in the first year correlated with longer subsequent survival in women with MBC.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations.
- Causation cannot be inferred from this correlational analysis.
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