44 Participants Needed

Meditation for Cancer Survivors

Recruiting at 1 trial location
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: City of Hope Medical Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 3 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety. Meditation therapy uses a variety of techniques, such as breathing, sound, or movement, that may help to decrease distress and anxiety and enhance the health and quality of life of patients with cancer. The trial is being done to find out how meditation can help cancer survivors feel relaxed and attain a peaceful state of mind.

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

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Meditation Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), Mindfulness Meditation for cancer survivors?

Research shows that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can help improve psychological distress and quality of life in breast cancer survivors, suggesting it may be beneficial for cancer survivors in general.12345

Is meditation safe for cancer survivors?

Research on mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for breast cancer survivors suggests it is generally safe and can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance quality of life.12467

How does the treatment Meditation Therapy differ from other treatments for cancer survivors?

Meditation Therapy, specifically Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), is unique because it focuses on reducing stress and increasing present-moment awareness through attentional and meditative exercises, which can improve psychological well-being and quality of life for cancer survivors. Unlike traditional medical treatments, MBSR is a complementary health approach that can be practiced online and has shown potential benefits in reducing symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia, especially with consistent daily practice.23478

Research Team

Richard T. Lee, M.D. | City of Hope ...

Richard T. Lee

Principal Investigator

City of Hope Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for cancer survivors who are looking to reduce stress and anxiety through meditation. Participants will try one of four meditation practices to see which helps them relax the most.

Inclusion Criteria

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) anxiety score of > 3 from a range from 0 to 10
I haven't practiced mind-body relaxation for more than 3 hours or regularly in the last year.
Documented written informed consent of the participant
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Exclusion Criteria

Ongoing active psychiatric condition, depressive/bi-polar related disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use that may interfere with the study
I have not had serious illnesses like strokes or heart disease affecting my brain.
My cancer is currently active.
See 3 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants learn one of four meditation practices with an instructor over 60 minutes for 3 sessions within 6 weeks, practice at home, and undergo saliva sample collection

6 weeks
3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for relaxation and adherence to meditation practices

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Meditation Therapy
Trial Overview The study tests four types of meditation: breathing, focused attention, mindfulness, and a combination of all three. The goal is to determine which method best promotes relaxation and improves quality of life in cancer survivors.
Participant Groups
4Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Arm IV (combined meditation)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Patients learn breathing, focused attention, and mindfulness combined meditation with an instructor over 60 minutes for 3 sessions within 6 weeks. Patients also practice meditation at home and undergo saliva sample collection on study.
Group II: Arm III (mindfulness only meditation)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Patients learn mindfulness only meditation with an instructor over 60 minutes for 3 sessions within 6 weeks. Patients also practice meditation at home and undergo saliva sample collection on study.
Group III: Arm I (focused attention only meditation)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Patients learn focused attention only meditation with an instructor over 60 minutes for 3 sessions within 6 weeks. Patients also practice meditation at home and undergo saliva sample collection on study.
Group IV: Arm I (breathing only meditation)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions
Patients learn breathing only meditation with an instructor over 60 minutes for 3 sessions within 6 weeks. Patients also practice meditation at home and undergo saliva sample collection on study.

Meditation Therapy is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Quality of Life Improvement in Cancer Survivors
🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) for:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Quality of Life Improvement in Cancer Survivors
🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Mindfulness Meditation for:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Quality of Life Improvement in Cancer Survivors

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

City of Hope Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
614
Recruited
1,924,000+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials
14,080
Recruited
41,180,000+

Findings from Research

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly reduced psychological stress, anxiety, and depression in breast cancer patients compared to standard care, based on a review of 14 studies involving 2,224 participants.
While MBSR improved sleep quality, it did not have a significant impact on fatigue or overall quality of life, indicating that while it is beneficial for certain psychological aspects, its effects on physical well-being may be limited.
The efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction vs. standard or usual care in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Wu, H., Li, F., Zhang, F.[2022]
The study investigates the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as a complementary health approach for breast cancer survivors, focusing on its potential to reduce stress and enhance present-moment awareness.
The research aims to assess whether there is sufficient evidence and consistent methodologies to support the use of MBSR specifically for this population, highlighting the need for standardized outcomes in future studies.
Mindfulness as an Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors.Kiely, D., Schwartz, S.[2017]
The modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for breast cancer patients showed promising effects on reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life, with significant improvements noted in distress, general wellbeing, and fatigue-related quality of life after 8 weeks.
Although the study did not meet its feasibility goals for enrollment and retention, 66.7% of participants completed at least 7 out of 8 sessions, indicating potential interest and benefit in mindfulness interventions for cancer recovery in this population.
Prospective feasibility study of a mindfulness-based program for breast cancer patients in the southeastern US.Salvador, C., Mark, P., Hoenemeyer, T., et al.[2022]

References

The efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction vs. standard or usual care in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. [2022]
Mindfulness as an Intervention for Breast Cancer Survivors. [2017]
Prospective feasibility study of a mindfulness-based program for breast cancer patients in the southeastern US. [2022]
Mindfulness-based stress reduction among breast cancer survivors: a literature review and discussion. [2022]
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer-a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]
Audio recordings of mindfulness-based stress reduction training to improve cancer patients' mood and quality of life--a pilot feasibility study. [2022]
Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR(BC)) in breast cancer: evaluating fear of recurrence (FOR) as a mediator of psychological and physical symptoms in a randomized control trial (RCT). [2021]
The Psychological Effect of Internet-Based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Survivors of Breast Cancer During the COVID-19. [2021]
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