1645P Group psychotherapy in young female cancer patients during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of lockdown and social distancing. The psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group are still unknown. Young female cancer patients need extra support in this unique situation. We want to explore if their quality of life could be affected by online group psychotherapy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey, EORTC QLQ-C30 was administered to a cohort of young gynecologic cancer patients. The questionnaire also incorporated questions about their specific diagnoses and current treatment. Inclusion criteria included female patients aged 18-45 who were diagnosed with cancer during the last 5 years. We asked selected patients to fill the survey twice, before and after group psychotherapy sessions. Online group psychotherapy was conducted for 3 consecutive months, three times per week, using the interactive ZOOM platform. Results: Total of 25 patients aged 18-45 were included in the study, 17 patients were breast and 8 were cervical cancer patients. 52% were receiving hormonal therapy, remaining patients were receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy targeted treatment, or was on follow-up. The scores of physical (82 vs 79.5) role (47.5 vs 51.6) emotional (73.8 vs 80) cognitive (47.5 vs 51.6) social functioning (47.5 vs 51.6) were different between pre and post pschysotherapy sessions. In breast cancer group pre and post group psychotherapy results were significantly different with PF -p=0.0035, RF - p=0.0035, EF - p=0.0073, CF - p=0.0035, SF p=0.0035 symptom scales/items - p=0.0035. In cervical cancer group pre and post group psychotherapy results were not significantly different;PF -p=0.4435, RF - p=0.3394, EF - p=0.4435, CF - p=0.3394, SF - p= 0.3394 symptom scales/items - p= 0.4435. Conclusions: Our results show that young breast cancer patients QoL can be positively affected by online group psychotherapy, but outcomes were not the same in the cervical cancer group. More research and larger sample size are needed for a better interpretation of results. Legal entity responsible for the study: The authors. Funding: Has not received any funding. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.