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Cancer

Cancer Survivors Experience Minimal Adverse Events with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research findings indicate that sleep disturbances can be a significant barrier to normal functioning after cancer treatment, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in addressing these issues. However, few studies have examined the prevalence, severity, and attribution of adverse events (AEs) that occur during CBT-I treatment. A new study published in Sleep Science and Practice has found that the majority of cancer survivors who participated in a randomized controlled trial of CBT-I did not experience AEs that could be attributed to the treatment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, led by researchers at Memorial University, involved 122 cancer survivors who completed a randomized controlled trial of CBT-I.
  • 72 participants reported a total of 197 AEs, but only 11 were rated as being attributed to the intervention at mid-treatment.
  • At post-treatment, no AEs were attributed to the intervention.
  • An independent rater attributed more AEs to the treatment than the participants at both time points.
  • Gender and pre-treatment anxiety were found to be significant predictors of AE reporting.
  • The study concludes that CBT-I is a safe treatment that is well-tolerated by cancer survivors.

Statistics:

  • 122 cancer survivors completed treatment in the study (M age = 60.3, 77.9% women).
  • 72 participants reported a total of 197 AEs.
  • 113 AEs were reported at mid-treatment, but only 11 were attributed to the intervention.
  • No AEs were attributed to the intervention at post-treatment.
  • An independent rater attributed 16 AEs to the treatment at mid-treatment and 1 AE at post-treatment.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Cancer Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Memorial University [ Recording and reporting of adverse events during a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) among cancer survivors]. Health & Medicine Week. May 30, 2025; p 2621.
  • Recording and reporting of adverse events during a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) among cancer survivors. Sleep Science and Practice, 2025,9(1):1-11. (Sleep Science and Practice - https://sleep.biomedcentral.com/).
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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