Does depression treatment improve the survival of depressed patients with cancer? A long-term follow-up of participants in the SMaRT Oncology-2 and 3 trials -

Does depression treatment improve the survival of depressed patients with cancer? A long-term follow-up of participants in the SMaRT Oncology-2 and 3 trials
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: The Lancet Psychiatry
Specialities: Mental health and illness
Summary
Long term follow up of 2 trials (total n=784) found that a depression treatment programme in cancer patients had no significant effect on survival, but improved patient mental health and quality of life outcomes.
UKMi comment

A related commentary discusses this research. The results should not detract from the message that depression remains a key target for prompt recognition and appropriate treatment, including the urgent necessity to reduce any inequalities in cancer care related to patients’ pre-existing or current mental ill health.
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