Supportive expressive group therapy did not prolong survival in metastatic breast cancer
QUESTION: In women with metastatic breast cancer, does supportive expressive group therapy (SEGT) prolong survival, improve mood, and reduce pain?
Design
Randomised {allocation concealed}*, blinded (assessors of psychosocial outcomes), controlled trial with 12 months of follow up.
Setting
7 cancer centres in Canada.
Patients
235 women (mean age 50 y) who had histological confirmation of breast cancer and had metastases outside of the breast and ipsilateral axilla. Exclusion criteria were central nervous system metastases; active psychosis, untreated major depression, or severe character disorder; planned participation in a therapist led support group for metastatic breast cancer outside of the study centre; residence >1 hour travel from the study centre; life expectancy <3 months; or inability to speak and read English. Follow up was complete for survival; follow up for psychosocial outcomes was 65% to 71%.
Intervention
Women were allocated to SEGT (n=158) or a control group (n=77). SEGT consisted of weekly 90 minute meetings led by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or …
