Strengthening the shield: Cognitive behavioral therapy as a critical adjunct in ovarian cancer chemotherapy – Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Randomized trial demonstrates improved quality of life in women undergoing chemotherapy, highlighting the value of psychological support.
Key Points
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for women with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published from 2018 to 2025.
Outcomes measured include depression, anxiety, fatigue, fear of cancer recurrence, and quality of life.
Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.4.
CBT significantly reduced depressive symptoms (MD = −5.11; 95% CI −6.45 to −3.76; P < 0.00001).
Anxiety was reduced (MD = −2.35; 95% CI −3.94 to −0.77; P = 0.004 for HADS; MD = −6.22; 95% CI −7.63 to −4.80; P < 0.00001 for SAS).
Fatigue decreased (MD = −0.76; 95% CI −1.31 to −0.20; P = 0.008), while quality of life improved (MD = 1.26; 95% CI 0.58–1.94; P = 0.0003).