A trial looking at treating depression in people with lung cancer (SMaRT Oncology 3)

This trial was looking at a treatment programme for depression in people with lung cancer. The trial was supported by Cancer Research UK.

People who have lung cancer may also have depression. This can really affect peoples' quality of life. Doctors want to offer treatment to people with lung cancer who have depression. But they are not sure of the best way to do this.

In this trial, researchers compared 2 different ways of treating depression in people with lung cancer. The people taking part had 1 of the following

• The usual care from their GP or cancer specialist

• The usual care, and a treatment programme called Depression Care for People with Lung Cancer (DCPLC) which is delivered by a team of specially trained nurses and psychiatrists

The programme had already been developed for people with cancer, but the researchers had altered it to meet the needs of people with lung cancer.