Oncovox: A randomised controlled trial of a web-based acceptance and commitment therapy for breast cancer patients

Background iACT interventions can be cost-effective and convenient for providing evidence-based care to breast cancer patients (BCPs). Objectives Determining the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of Oncovox, a guided iACT intervention designed to improve psychosocial outcomes in BCP undergoing treatment. Methods A parallel, two-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating an 8-module intervention. Participants were randomized to the iACT group (N = 75) or a waitlist group (N = 75). Primary outcomes: Quality of Life (QoL), Behavioral Activation (BA), Symptom Interference (SI) and Reward Noticing (RN). Secondary outcomes: anxiety and depression symptoms and psychological flexibility (PF). Measurements were made pre- and post-intervention, twice during the intervention, and at 1- and 2-month follow-up. Results SI, anxiety and depression, and PF improved significantly, with further improvement at follow-up. QoL, BA and RN improved moderately, but only when imputed data were analyzed. Conclusions Oncovox has good dissemination potential and could be appropriately implemented in stepped care.