Can talking it out help breast cancer patients beat depression?

NCT ID NCT06546787

First seen Nov 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 34 times

Summary

This study tested whether a type of talk therapy called interpersonal psychotherapy could help breast cancer patients who are at risk for depression. The therapy focused on improving relationships, emotions, and social support. Forty-two patients with stage II or III breast cancer took part, and the study measured changes in depression, emotion regulation, and perceived social support after 12 therapy sessions.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Koc University

    Istanbul, Nursing Department, 34020, Turkey (Türkiye)

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

interpersonal psychotherapy (talk therapy)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple talk therapy to help breast cancer patients manage depression and feel more supported.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires multiple sessions and internet access, which may not be feasible for all patients.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast carcinoma breast neoplasm Depression Emotional Regulation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.