In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Nina Balanchivadze, MD, of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Virginia Oncology Associates, and Kyle Lavin, MD, MPH, of the UNC School of Medicine, discussed a study evaluating the integration of virtual collaborative behavioral health care for patients with breast cancer.
Both physicians said depression and anxiety are more than common reactions to a cancer diagnosis; they are significant barriers to recovery. Mental health struggles often reduce patients’ ability to adhere to treatment regimens and to manage the transitions that accompany cancer care.
They identified a key gap in current practice: oncology teams can recognize mental health crises but typically must refer patients to external systems. Those outside services can be hard to access quickly, leaving patients without timely support during vulnerable periods.
The study tests a virtual collaborative care model embedded directly within the oncology department rather than operating as a separate program. The model aims to deliver measurable improvements in symptoms and daily functioning while minimizing additional workload for oncology staff.
Lavin described a personal motivation for the work, citing long-standing experience with a family member who faced concurrent physical and mental health challenges, which shaped his interest in integrating behavioral health into specialty and palliative care.
The research emphasizes community oncology settings, where access to psycho-oncology specialists is often limited. The team intends to demonstrate that a virtual, integrated approach can expand access to high-quality behavioral health care, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the day-to-day practice of oncologists.
Leave a Reply