How therapy for depression can improve cancer care

Three quarters of cancer patients suffering from clinical depression are not receiving treatment, new research has revealed. It has also shown that new, integrated treatment is far more effective at treating depression among cancer sufferers than current care.

Three research papers, funded by Cancer Research UK and the Scottish Government, highlighted the prevalence of depression among cancer patients, the under-treatment of the illness as well as the positive results of a new therapy system.

"It is heartbreaking to think cancer patients who are already dealing with the toughest fight of their lives are also struggling with depression, without adequate support," Jacqui Graves from Macmillan cancer support told the BBC.

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What did the studies show?

• Cancer patients suffer from disproportionate rates of depression.

Cancer patients are far more likely to suffer from clinical depression that the rest of the population, with 13 per cent of patients diagnosed with the illness compared to just two per cent among the public. However, it is often wrongly assumed that depression is part of "a natural reaction" to the disease. "But this is much more than transient sadness," writes the BBC's health reporter Smitha Mundasad.

• The majority are not being treated for it.

Researchers found that 73 per cent of cancer patients who reported symptoms of depression were not being treated for it. They argue that this is partly due to the prioritisation of treating physical symptoms over psychological ones. "Major depression is really quite common and perhaps the surprising finding is that most goes untreated", Michael Sharpe, professor of psychological medicine at the University of Oxford, told the Daily Telegraph. "The outcome with usual care is really poor."

• New therapy is more effective.

The study also showed that even when diagnosed and given NHS treatment, the majority of patients did not get better. A new therapy approach was trialled in Edinburgh with encouraging results, even among patients with a poor prognosis.

What does the new therapy involve?

The trial combined a new nurse-led therapy with existing NHS cancer care. Specially trained nurses and psychiatrists work together with a patient's cancer team and GP to ensure that both physical and psychological symptoms are being addressed. The therapy incorporates standard drug treatment with psychological therapy.

What are the results?

Results of the trial showed that 62 per cent of patients responded to the combined treatment as opposed to 17 per cent in patients who receive standard NHS care. The therapy reportedly relieved anxiety, pain and fatigue in patients and researchers also believe it is the most cost-effective way to improve a patient's quality of life.

"This trial shows that we can effectively treat depression in patients with poor prognosis cancers like lung cancer and really improve patients' lives," said study leader Dr Jane Walker.