biostudies-literatureKolva EAmerican Cancer SocietyCancer League of ColoradoNational Cancer InstituteNCI NIH HHS199https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9446833biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)<h4>Background</h4>Cancers of the head and neck region are associated with high symptom burden and elevated levels of psychological distress. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that is associated with psychological distress related to the immobilizing nature of the treatment, frequency of treatment delivery, and side effects. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in reducing psychological distress in patients with other cancer diagnoses but has not been studied in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief guided imagery intervention (guided imagery for treatment, GIFT) to reduce RT-related anxiety and depression in patients with HNC relative to treatmPilot and feasibility studiesGuided imagery for treatment (GIFT): protocol of a pilot trial of guided imagery versus treatment as usual to address radiotherapy-related distress in head and neck cancer.PMC9446833Institutional Research GrantK12 CA086913Roberts STorkko KKolva ECox-Martin EKaram SDCarr ALLanning RfalseGuided imagery for treatment (GIFT): protocol of a pilot trial of guided imagery versus treatment as usual to address radiotherapy-related distress in head and neck cancer.<h4>Background</h4>Cancers of the head and neck region are associated with high symptom burden and elevated levels of psychological distress. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that is associated with psychological distress related to the immobilizing nature of the treatment, frequency of treatment delivery, and side effects. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in reducing psychological distress in patients with other cancer diagnoses but has not been studied in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief guided imagery intervention (guided imagery for treatment, GIFT) to reduce RT-related anxiety and depression in patients with HNC relative to treatm2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Sep2026-05-28T07:02:07.254Z2024-11-06T18:44:33.617ZS-EPMC94468333606474810.1186/s40814-022-01134-9