Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA247307-05 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Milbury, Kathrin |
Organization: |
University Of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr |
Project Title: |
Improving Health Utilization and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation and Their Family Caregivers |
Fiscal Year: |
2024 |
Abstract
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Although concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) improves the overall survival for head and neck cancer (HNC)
patients, it is associated with debilitating toxicities (e.g., mucositis, dysphagia, and fatigue), which may lead to
increased healthcare utilization (e.g., emergency department (ED) visits, feeding tube (FT) placements) during
and after treatment. In light of the extremely high treatment-related burden, HNC patients need extensive and
persistent care and support from their families. Patients' family caregivers are their most important and valued
source of support and care; yet, caregiving is physically and emotionally taxing. In fact, family caregivers report
high rates of psychological distress, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, which may not only compromise their own
quality of life but also the quality of care they are able to provide to the patient. Therefore, evidence-based,
dyadic supportive care programs targeting both patient and caregiver outcomes are urgently needed. To
address critical knowledge gaps and build upon our pilot work, we propose an efficacy trial of a 6-week dyadic
yoga (DY) intervention targeting patient health utilization and caregiver QOL outcomes. The proposed
research will randomly assign patient-caregiver dyads to either a dyadic yoga (DY) or usual care (UC) control
group. To increase accessibility, the intervention will be delivered via video-conferencing following our pilot-
tested procedures. Patients and caregivers will be assessed at baseline (prior to randomization and starting
CRT) and then again, at the end of treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months later. During the treatment period, we will
assess patients and caregivers' symptoms on a weekly basis. At the 3-month follow-up assessment, we will
also collect qualitative samples to further understand participants' experiences. We will integrate data from
institutional records with self-report measures to evaluate efficacy, estimate costs and assess the cost-
effectiveness of the DY intervention relative to UC for both patients and caregivers. Based on our exciting pilot
findings, we propose a mediational model hypothesizing that the intervention will impact patient and caregiver
outcomes via improved symptom burden, objective physical function, and relationship well-being and reduced
pharmacological management using quantitative and qualitative methods. Thus, this innovative and
scientifically rigorous design will address imperative hypotheses that are highly relevant to the clinical care of a
vulnerable patient-caregiver population. The knowledge gained from this randomized controlled trial will
advance the science of behavioral medicine, and, ultimately, inform the clinical care of a vulnerable and
understudied population.
.
Publications
Videoconferenced Yoga Interventions for Cancer Patients and their Caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Report from a Clinician's Perspective.
Authors: Snyder S.
, Silva R.F.
, Whisenant M.S.
, Milbury K.
.
Source: Integrative cancer therapies, 2021 Jan-Dec; 20, p. 15347354211019111.
PMID: 34036820
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