The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is hosting a new study which will trial a digital self-help tool for men experiencing side effects from prostate cancer treatment.
MANCAN2 (MANaging symptoms during CANcer treatment) will investigate the effectiveness of a virtual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention on ‘reducing the impact of hot flush and night sweat symptoms’ in men who are receiving hormone therapy treatment for their cancer.
According to the Royal Marsden, hormone therapy treatment works by ‘blocking or reducing the amount of testosterone in the body, which stops or slows the spread of prostate cancer’ – but this depletion can then cause hot flushes and night sweats.
For this study, half of the participants will trial four weeks of a self-help CBT programme, and will also be asked to complete a workbook with information and exercises to help them manage their side effects.
Two virtual group workshops will also be delivered by CBT-trained clinical nurse specialists, and participants will receive audio that demonstrates breathing and relaxation exercises.
Recruitment and referrals are now open for MANCAN2, which is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Patient Benefit programme and led by the University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust.
Bernard Siu, who is Lead Research Nurse in the Uro-oncology Unit and principal investigator for the study at The Royal Marsden, said: “Although hormone therapy treatment is effective in stopping or slowing the spread of prostate cancer, it is unfortunate that almost 80 per cent of men experience hot flushes and night sweats as a result of this treatment.
“Research has shown that many patients will stop taking their treatment due to these negative side effects. Therefore, it’s vital we find a way to help our patients manage these symptoms.”
Joseph Montebello, Senior Trial Manager for the Uro-oncology Unit, added: “Previous research has shown that CBT, which is a type of talking therapy, has had a positive effect in both men and women in managing hot flushes and night sweats. By supporting the study at The Royal Marsden, we are helping to continue our vital role in improving cancer care and treatment.”
In more Royal Marsden-related news, HTN also recently welcomed David Newey, Deputy Chief Information Officer, to present a webcast on bias in Artificial Intelligence (AI). You can catch up on the full session by David, here.
