Graded Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in breast cancer (BC) patients.
• Current treatments for BC fatigue can cause significant burden and impact treatment adherence.
• Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have shown individual benefits for cancer-related fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of combining GET and CBT for BC-related fatigue in Singapore.
• To generate preliminary efficacy data for this combined treatment approach.
• To explore the potential for improved survivorship care in breast cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot study involving 100 female BC patients with moderate to severe fatigue.
• Participants randomized 1:1 to receive combined GET and CBT versus GET alone (standard care).
• Feasibility measured by uptake, adherence, and willingness to pay; acceptability assessed via the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, including cultural sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Participant recruitment is ongoing, with projected completion by December 2026.
• Primary completion date set for April 2027, with final results expected by end of 2027.
• Efficacy will be evaluated through quantitative measures of fatigue, adherence, quality of life, and functional outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This study will determine the feasibility and acceptability of combined GET and CBT for BC fatigue in Singapore.
• Findings will inform the refinement of evidence-based fatigue management guidelines.
• The research aims to enhance survivorship care for breast cancer patients.