Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Patients: An Update of Efficacy Evidence and Areas for Future Research

Purpose of Review: This study aims to review the empirical evidence on the prevalence, evolution, and etiology of insomnia in cancer as well as on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in this population. Recent Findings: Insomnia is highly prevalent and persistent during the cancer trajectory, especially in patients with breast and gynecological cancer. Surgery and hospitalization, adjuvant treatments, nocturnal hot flashes, fatigue, and pain may trigger the onset of sleep disturbances. Several clinical trials have supported the efficacy of CBT-I to improve sleep of cancer patients. Summary: CBT-I is now recognized as the treatment of choice for insomnia comorbid with cancer. However, its accessibility is limited in oncology settings and could be improved through the use of minimal interventions (e.g., self-administered). Future research should assess the patients’ acceptability and efficacy of CBT-I during the active phase of cancer treatment and in patients with advanced disease. Stepped care approaches and interventions targeting multiple cancer-related symptoms associated with the occurrence of insomnia could increase treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness, but their utility needs to be empirically assessed. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG.