Behavioral and Psycho-Emotional mHealth Interventions for Elderly Breast Cancer Patients with Cardiac Toxicity

The CARDIOCARE project combines psycho-emotional and behavioral interventions into a mobile health (mHealth) application for the elderly breast cancer patients who have a risk for therapy-induced cardiac toxicity. The mHealth application includes psycho-emotional modules such as Expressive Writing, the ABCDE Model, and Best Possible Self alongside behavioral interventions like prompted voiding and pelvic floor exercises, which are focused on both improving psychological resilience and physical health. By focusing on both physical and psychological needs, the app aims to improve patient adherence to treatment and to alleviate healthcare burden. Preliminary results based on data analysis collected from 67 patients from six clinical centers show promising trends: 45% of patients initially expressed denial in their first entries using the ABCDE module, which later shifted towards acceptance and active coping strategies. These findings show the potential of the CARDIOCARE interventions to enhance the well-being in elderly cancer patients. Ongoing trials are expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these interventions and their impact on improving psychological well-being and overall quality of life of cancer patients.Clinical Relevance- This study investigates the potential of the CARDIOCARE mHealth application to address both psychological and physical needs in elderly cancer patients with therapy-induced cardiac toxicity. Preliminary results from six clinical centers indicate that the CARDIOCARE mHealth application can support elderly cancer patients by helping them to express their emotions, cope with their illness, and adopt healthy routines. These interventions could help clinicians enhance patient care by providing personalized support and remote monitoring, resulting in better quality of life outcomes.