Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Smoking in Cancer Patients

This trial explores how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a type of talk therapy, can assist cancer patients in reducing or quitting smoking. It focuses on patients currently undergoing treatment with curative intent or those in remission. Ideal participants smoke at least one cigarette daily and have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. The goal is to determine if learning new skills through DBT can facilitate cutting back or quitting smoking altogether. As an unphased trial, this study allows patients to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cancer care and smoking cessation strategies.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are using tobacco cessation medications or receiving external tobacco use counseling.

Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is safe for patients, including those with cancer who smoke. Studies have found that DBT aids individuals with substance use and emotional challenges, suggesting it might help cancer patients who smoke to reduce or quit. A review highlighted enthusiasm for a shorter version of DBT for this purpose. Patients and healthcare providers support its use because it helps people manage emotions better, which can boost confidence in quitting smoking. No reports of serious side effects make DBT a well-tolerated option.¹²³⁴⁵

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is unique because it combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help cancer patients who smoke. Unlike traditional smoking cessation methods such as nicotine replacement therapy or medications like varenicline, DBT targets the emotional and psychological aspects of smoking, which can be particularly relevant for individuals dealing with the stress of cancer treatment or remission. Researchers are excited about DBT because it offers a holistic approach that not only addresses smoking cessation but also helps improve emotional regulation and stress management, potentially leading to better overall health outcomes for cancer patients.

Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) might help cancer patients quit smoking. In this trial, participants will receive DBT-Skills Training (DBT-ST), which has assisted people with challenges related to substance use and emotions, including smoking. Some patients who tried DBT-ST successfully quit smoking, and these positive effects persisted over time. Early findings suggest that DBT-ST can be adjusted to help cancer patients reduce or stop smoking completely. These studies offer hope that DBT could be a useful tool for those trying to quit smoking while managing cancer.¹²³⁵⁶