Effect of Guided Imagery for Radiotherapy-Related Distress in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

The goal of this interdisciplinary pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability
and preliminary efficacy of a guided imagery intervention to reduce RT-related symptoms of
anxiety and depression in patients with HNC relative to treatment as usual. Treatment as
usual contains no psychological interventions to aid in distress, however participants will
have access to the psychosocial supports at the cancer center available to all patients.
Patients will be randomized to either condition, and surveys of their well-being will be
conducted throughout the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision to sign and date the consent form.

2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the
duration of the study.

3. Be aged 18 - 100.

4. Ability to read and communicate in English.

5. A pathology confirming HNC diagnosis.

6. Initiation of RT at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

7. Psychiatric and cognitive stability as assessed by chart review (i.e., documented
dementia diagnosis or unmanaged psychiatric symptoms) and study personnel (i.e.,
inability to attend to meeting with study personnel).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any individual who does not meet the inclusion criteria.

2. Those who are determined, by mental health professionals, to be psychiatrically
unstable.