UCSF

Purpose

We aimed to estimate the effect of a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with text messages on quality of life (QoL) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2018, 50 CRC survivors were randomized (1:1) to receive a 12-week web-based dietary intervention with daily text messages or wait-list control. Health-related QoL was assessed using the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and colorectal quality of life module (QLQ-CR29) at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Within- and between-group mean changes in health-related QoL with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for both arms.

Results

Compared to the controls, participants receiving the intervention had an improvement in emotional functioning (mean change: 14.3; 95% CI: 3.0, 25.6) at 12 weeks and social functioning (mean change: 13.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 25.5) at 24 weeks. A decrease of fatigue from baseline was also observed in the intervention arm (mean change: - 9.1; 95% CI: - 17.1, - 1.1) at 24 weeks. No other changes in QoL scores were associated with the intervention.

Conclusion

CRC survivors randomized to receive a web-based dietary intervention with text messages experienced higher emotional and social functioning. Further study with a larger population may be warranted.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02965521. Registered 16 November 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/keydates/NCT02965521.