Objectives/purpose: Despite the significance psycho-oncology has in cancer care and outcomes, it is challenging to obtain funding for psycho-oncology research. Increasing participation in cancer clinical trials is a priority under the Australian Cancer Plan. This scoping review maps Australian psycho-oncology clinical trials registered between 2006 and 2024, examining study designs, populations, sample sizes, interventions, and settings.
Sample and setting: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) was systematically searched for psycho-oncology trials. Included trials involved interventions such as psychological therapies, psychoeducation, communication, supportive care, and system-level strategies targeting cancer patients, caregivers, or healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Australia. Of 779 protocols retrieved, 152 were eligible.
Procedures: Following PRISMA for Scoping Reviews guidelines, data were extracted using double extraction and narratively synthesised.
Results: Registered protocols increased over time: pre-2009 (n=8), 2009–2013 (n=41), 2014–2018 (n=47), 2019–2024 (n=56). Half (49%, n=75) the studies were completed, 22% (n=34) recruiting, 18% (n=28) not recruiting, and 1% (n=15) stopped early/withdrawn, a majority were pilot studies. Participant cohorts were predominantly mixed gender (84%, n=128), 11% (n=17) female-only, 5% (n=7) male-only. Populations included patients/survivors (n=136; of which n=21 were advanced cancer), carers (n=28), HCPs (n=20); n=26 trials included >1 participant group. Most studies were in adults (≥18 years; 93.4%). Median target sample size was 100 (range 4–9600). Of studies reporting final recruitment (n=90), 35% met targets. Psychological therapies were most prevalent (29%, n=44), followed by physical symptom management (24%, n=36); exercise trials increased (20%). Online interventions rose from 24% to 37.5%.
Conclusion and clinical implications: Psycho-oncology trials have grown steadily, shifting from face-to-face to digital/online delivery. Interventions increasingly incorporate exercise and target diverse populations, including caregivers and HCPs. However, recruitment challenges persist, with few studies meeting sample targets. Systematic registration remains critical for monitoring trends, informing funding, and supporting research aligned with evolving care models.