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Music Therapy and Health / Cancer Survivorship and Care / Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment Studies · Journal article
Frontiers in Public Health · September 9, 2026
Encouraging direction, but not yet definitive.
This single-centre RCT of 108 young and middle-aged breast cancer patients receiving particle therapy found that five group-based acceptance and commitment therapy sessions significantly reduced fear of progression and psychological distress compared with usual care across all post-intervention time points. The effect on psychological flexibility was delayed, reaching significance only at 3-month follow-up. Results are robust to sensitivity analysis but require confirmation in larger, multicentre trials with longer follow-up before clinical adoption.
Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. 108 young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer and elevated fear of progression (FoP-Q-SF ≥34) receiving particle therapy at an oncology hospital in Shanghai, China.. Intervention: Five group-based acceptance and commitment therapy sessions (90–120 min each) over 2.5 weeks, covering acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action.. Compared with: Usual care control group.. n = 108. Single centre: oncology hospital in Shanghai, China..
Fear of progression reduction in ACT group versus control at all post-intervention time points (T1–T3, all p < 0.001) Psychological distress reduction at all follow-ups (T1–T3, all p < 0.05) Psychological flexibility improvement at T3 (p = 0.037), remaining significant in sensitivity analysis (p = 0.046)
Overall attrition 12% with no intervention-related adverse events reported
If confirmed in larger multicentre studies, structured group-based ACT could be integrated into routine breast cancer care during particle therapy to reduce fear of progression and psychological distress. The delayed effect on psychological flexibility suggests sustained engagement may be needed, though clinicians should await longer follow-up data before implementing.
A single-centre RCT with adequate design and clear positive primary endpoint results, but limited by modest sample size, short follow-up, and generalizability to one setting in China.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
If confirmed in larger multicentre studies, structured group-based ACT could be integrated into routine breast cancer care during particle therapy to reduce fear of progression and psychological distress. The delayed effect on psychological flexibility suggests sustained engagement may be needed, though clinicians should await longer follow-up data before implementing.
Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.
Objective Young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer receiving particle therapy commonly experience elevated Fear of Progression (FoP). Evidence for the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in this population remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of ACT on FoP and on related psychological outcomes, namely psychological flexibility and psychological distress. Methods This parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted at an oncology hospital in Shanghai, China, and enrolled participants between June and August 2025. A total of 108 young and middle-aged patients with breast cancer and elevated FoP (Fear of Progression Questionnaire–Short Form, FoP-Q-SF, ≥34) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group ( n = 54) or control group ( n = 54). The intervention group received five group-based sessions (90–120 min each) over 2.5 weeks, covering acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action, whereas the control group received usual care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Intention-to-treat analyses used generalized estimating equations adjusted for cancer stage, age, and education. Sensitivity analyses used multiple imputation. Results The overall attrition was 12%, and no intervention-related adverse events were identified. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed greater reductions in FoP at all post-intervention time points (T1–T3, all p < 0.001) and in psychological distress at all follow-ups (T1–T3, all p < 0.05). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. The effect on psychological flexibility emerged later, reaching statistical significance at T3 ( p = 0.037) and remaining significant in the sensitivity analysis ( p = 0.046). Conclusion Acceptance and commitment therapy reduced FoP and psychological distress in this population, with a delayed effect on psychological flexibility. These findings support integrating structured, group-based ACT into routine care during particle therapy. Multicenter trials with longer follow-up are needed. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2500104142.
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