Feasibility study of the Four-Session Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-based Psychological Intervention Program for women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Although targeted therapies have prolonged survival in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer, the resulting chronic disease trajectory is frequently accompanied by substantial psychological burden. This study aimed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the feasibility and psychological outcomes of a low-intensity, group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention (CBT-OP-4) among women receiving palliative care.

METHODS

A prospective feasibility study without a control group was undertaken involving 13 female participants (mean age = 63 years, SD = 8.05), all diagnosed with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. The four-session CBT-based group intervention targeted key psychological domains. Self-reported measures of distress, depression, anxiety, perceived stigma, self-compassion, and locus of control were administered pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were further examined via semi-structured qualitative interviews and standardized patient satisfaction instruments.

RESULTS

Following the intervention, pre-post improvements were observed in psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and perceived stigma. In parallel, participants demonstrated an increase in self-compassion. Overall, the program was rated as highly acceptable, with participants emphasizing the relevance and applicability of the intervention content within their illness context.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this preliminary study suggest that the CBT-OP-4 program is a feasible and acceptable psycho-oncological intervention for women with advanced-stage HER2-positive breast cancer receiving palliative care. The results offer initial empirical support for the incorporation of structured, evidence-based psychological interventions into the routine psychosocial management of this patient population.