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Web-Based Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) for Managing Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia in Breast Cancer
Zahra Hosseinian1, Ashley Lehan1, Jessica M Powers1
1Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
Contemporary Clinical Trials
|December 20, 2024
Summary
This study tests a web-based pain coping skills training (PCST) program for breast cancer survivors experiencing joint pain from aromatase inhibitors (AIs). The goal is to improve pain management and adherence to life-saving AI therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are crucial for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer treatment.
- AI-associated arthralgia affects 50% of patients, leading to poor outcomes and reduced treatment adherence.
- Current treatments for AI-arthralgia have limited efficacy and side effects, especially for older patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a web-based Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) program (painTRAINER®) for AI-associated arthralgia in breast cancer survivors.
- To assess if PCST improves pain severity, pain interference, emotional distress, AI adherence, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 452 breast cancer survivors with AI-associated arthralgia.
- Participants were randomized to receive painTRAINER® plus enhanced usual care (EUC) or EUC alone.
- Assessments included pain severity, interference, distress, adherence, and quality of life at baseline, post-intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups.
Main Results:
- Primary outcomes are pain severity and interference at post-intervention.
- Secondary outcomes include emotional distress, AI adherence, and health-related quality of life.
Conclusions:
- This trial addresses a critical need for evidence-based, accessible behavioral interventions for AI-associated arthralgia.
- A successful web-based PCST program could significantly improve outcomes and adherence for breast cancer survivors on AI therapy.
- This intervention has the potential for rapid implementation, even in areas with limited access to traditional PCST.
