Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Published randomised controlled trials (RCTs), within-subject cohort studies and case reports were eligible for inclusion. Review articles and sub-samples of data from larger studies were excluded.
Specific interventions included in the review
Studies were eligible for inclusion in the review if they assessed a behavioural intervention for side-effects related to cancer treatment. The included studies were of contingency management, cognitive or attentional distraction, hypnosis, imagery, systematic desensitisation, modelling, relaxation training, or cognitive restructuring interventions. The interventions were carried out on an individual basis, in groups and in families. The number of sessions received ranged from one to 11.
Participants included in the review
Studies were eligible if they included adults or children with cancer who were undergoing or had undergone chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. Most of the included studies contained people with many different types of cancer, and they were of children and adults. Details about the gender and disease of the participants from each study were tabulated in the review.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies were eligible if they included data about any cancer treatment-related adverse effect, such as pain, nausea and vomiting, and anxiety and distress.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Three investigators screened studies independently to assess whether they met the pre-specified inclusion criteria.