Can psycotherapy increase the survival time of cancer patients?

Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the evidence regarding the possibility of a relationship between psychological intervention and survival time of cancer patients. Method: A literature search was conducted using CD ROM databases to identify studies which have evaluated the effects of psychological interventions on the survival time of cancer patients. The identified studies were critically reviewed. Results: Eight studies which used scientifically acceptable methodology to examine this question were identified. Three of these studies found evidence for a relationship between psychological intervention and patients' survival time, while five did not. Methodological issues and potentially confounding factors are discussed. Conclusion: To date, a direct relationship between psychological intervention and patient survival time has not been conclusively demonstrated. Large-scale replication studies which are currently under way will provide more conclusive evidence on this question within the next few years. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.