Can psychotherapy increase the survival time of cancer patients?

Reviews the evidence regarding the possibility of a relationship between psychological intervention and survival time of cancer patients. Using a literature search of CD ROM databases, identifies 8 studies which used scientifically acceptable methodology to examine this question. To date, a direct relationship between psychological intervention and patient survival time has not been conclusively demonstrated. Suggests that large-scale replication studies which are currently underway will provide more conclusive evidence on this question within the next few years. (Original abstract - amended)