Yoga + Mindfulness for Cancer Survivors

(RESET Trial)

Overseen By Chitra Thakur, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Barbara Nemesure

Must not be taking: Corticosteroids

Disqualifiers: Anal cancer, Rectal cancer, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how yoga and mindfulness can improve the overall well-being of cancer survivors. It tests two approaches: oncology-informed yoga and Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART). Researchers aim to determine if these practices benefit emotional, social, and physical health, as well as influence gene expression (epigenetics). The trial seeks individuals who have had lung, colon, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, completed treatment at least six months ago, and can provide a saliva sample. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those on corticosteroid therapy. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial coordinators.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that yoga designed for cancer patients is generally safe. It helps reduce stress, improves sleep, and lowers anxiety and depression. Reports of major side effects are absent, indicating it is usually well-tolerated.

For SMART, or Stress Management and Resiliency Training, studies indicate it reduces stress and anxiety while improving overall quality of life. Like yoga, it presents no significant safety concerns and appears to be a gentle way to manage stress.

Both treatments aim to enhance well-being without major risks, according to research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Yoga + Mindfulness approach for cancer survivors because it offers a holistic alternative to conventional treatments like medication and therapy. Unlike traditional cancer recovery methods, such as chemotherapy or radiation, oncology-informed yoga and Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) focus on improving mental and physical well-being through gentle movement and mindfulness practices. This approach aims to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and boost the overall quality of life without the side effects often associated with pharmaceutical treatments. This innovative method could provide a more balanced, integrative option for supporting cancer survivors in their healing journey.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cancer survivors?

This trial will compare two interventions: oncology-informed yoga and the SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) program. Research has shown that yoga designed for cancer survivors can reduce anxiety and depression, while also improving emotional well-being. Studies have found that it leads to better sleep and less fatigue, enhancing quality of life.

For the SMART program, evidence indicates it greatly reduces anxiety and stress, while boosting resilience and self-kindness. Participants have also reported an improved quality of life.

Both yoga and SMART, tested in separate arms of this trial, have demonstrated benefits for enhancing mental and emotional health in cancer survivors. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Barbara Nemesure, PhD

Principal Investigator

Stony Brook University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer survivors who have had lung adenocarcinoma, colon cancer, thalassemia, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It aims to help those looking to improve their quality of life post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

Gives informed consent and agrees to be randomly assigned

Able to complete the questionnaire(s) in English

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Is pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study period

Currently practicing yoga or SMART

Documented fall or syncope within the last 6 months

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo mind-body interventions such as Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) or oncology-informed yoga

8 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in quality of life and epigenetic markers after the intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Oncology-informed yoga
• SMART

Trial Overview

The SBU-RESET study tests the impact of yoga and mindfulness (SMART) on the well-being and epigenetics of cancer survivors. Epigenetics involves changes in gene activity without altering DNA itself.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Yoga Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Oncology-informed yoga

Group II: SMART Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Stress Management and Resiliency Training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Barbara Nemesure

Lead Sponsor

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10904170/

Health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors

Evidence suggests that yoga effectively reduces some physical and psycho-emotional symptoms and improves the QOL of cancer survivors.

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879406824001826

The effect of YOCAS©® yoga on cancer-related fatigue ...

Most younger and older participants reported that yoga helped improve their sleep quality (92.8 % vs 88.5 %) and they would recommend it to other survivors ( ...

3.

karger.com

karger.com/pps/article/94/4/289/926167/Effect-of-Yoga-on-Psychological-and-Spiritual

Effect of Yoga on Psychological and Spiritual Outcomes in ...

Conclusion: Yoga effectively reduces anxiety and depression and improves spiritual well-being and emotional well-being in cancer, underscoring ...

4.

apm.amegroups.org

apm.amegroups.org/article/view/59097/html

Effects of yoga on health-related quality, physical health and ...

Conclusions: Yoga may benefit to reduce fatigue, depression and anxiety, improve sleep disturbance, and improve QoL in breast cancer patients receiving ...

5.

liebertpub.com

liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0660

The Effect of Yoga on Cancer-Related Fatigue and Quality ...

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of yoga on CRF and QOL among racially and ethnically diverse survivors and compare outcomes with NHW survivors.

6.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11817149/

The Effects of Online Yoga Practice on Cancer Patients

Results: The results suggest that online yoga can improve stress and sleep quality, with moderate effects on anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

7.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1462388925001139

Patient's expectations and experiences of yoga in group ...

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting yoga—whether on-site or online—as a valuable intervention for patients undergoing cancer treatment ...

8.

bjsm.bmj.com

bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/14/1010

Impact of exercise on health outcomes in people with cancer

Exercise reduces adverse events and enhances well-being through a range of health outcomes in people with cancer.

9.

apjon.org

apjon.org/article/S2347-5625(23)00134-8/fulltext

Health benefits of yoga for cancer survivors: An updated ...

Yoga performed significant effects on improving cancer-related symptoms, depression and mental QOL when compared to control group. Baseline, the ...