Xiao Y, Guo YX, Shen XR, Yuan YW, Ma ZR. Letter to the Editor: From prediction to intervention: Enhancing the clinical utility of family dysfunction models in breast cancer care. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 118177 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.118177]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Zhong-Rui Ma, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, No. 33 Mashi Street, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan Province, China. masong0410@163.com
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Psychiatry
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letter
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Xiao Y, Guo YX, Shen XR, Yuan YW, Ma ZR. Letter to the Editor: From prediction to intervention: Enhancing the clinical utility of family dysfunction models in breast cancer care. World J Psychiatry 2026; 16(8): 118177 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.118177]
World J Psychiatry. Aug 19, 2026; 16(8): 118177 Published online Aug 19, 2026. doi: 10.5498/wjp.118177
Letter to the Editor: From prediction to intervention: Enhancing the clinical utility of family dysfunction models in breast cancer care
Yu Xiao, Yuan-Xin Guo, Xiao-Ru Shen, Yi-Wen Yuan, Zhong-Rui Ma
Yu Xiao, Yi-Wen Yuan, Zhong-Rui Ma, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan Province, China
Yuan-Xin Guo, Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan Province, China
Xiao-Ru Shen, Department of General Surgery, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan Province, China
Co-first authors: Yu Xiao and Yuan-Xin Guo.
Author contributions: Xiao Y and Guo YX conducted the investigation, formal analysis, and wrote the original draft as co-first authors; Xiao Y and Ma ZR conceived the study, provided critical intellectual input, and approved the final manuscript; Shen XR and Yuan YW conducted literature search; all authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest in publishing the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Zhong-Rui Ma, PhD, Lecturer, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, No. 33 Mashi Street, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan Province, China. masong0410@163.com
Received: December 26, 2025 Revised: February 3, 2026 Accepted: March 6, 2026 Published online: August 19, 2026 Processing time: 205 Days and 19.4 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: This letter expands on Li et al’s study linking family dysfunction, particularly communication deficits, to psychological distress in breast cancer. To transform their predictive model into clinically actionable tools, we propose a translational framework centered on three pillars: (1) Precision in prediction through cross-cultural validation and breaking down "communication dysfunction" into specific patterns like hostility and disengagement; (2) Clarification of causality with longitudinal studies to guide intervention types and timing; and (3) Implementation by creating calibrated risk-assessment protocols with differentiated intervention pathways. This approach aims to move from identifying "who is at risk" to understanding "why" and determining "what to do" for personalized care.
