30 Participants Needed

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Cancer

Age: Any Age
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Mayo Clinic
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether a virtual program using mindfulness techniques can improve mental health for cancer patients in underserved or rural areas of Minnesota. The goal is to determine if these techniques can reduce stress and enhance coping skills without requiring travel for care. Participants will join weekly sessions for eight weeks. The trial suits individuals who have or had cancer, have recently experienced significant emotional distress, have access to a computer or smartphone, and are willing to complete surveys. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health support for cancer patients.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on a stress reduction program, so it's likely you can continue your medications, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this mindfulness-based stress reduction program is safe for cancer patients?

Studies have shown that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is well-tolerated by cancer patients. Patients using MBSR to manage cancer-related fatigue have reported no obvious side effects. Research indicates that MBSR can enhance quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression among cancer patients. This suggests that MBSR is a safe option for managing stress and improving mental health in people with cancer.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is unique because it offers a holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety in cancer patients, which can be a significant burden during and after treatment. Unlike conventional treatments that often focus on medication, MBSR empowers patients by teaching them mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being. Researchers are excited about MBSR because it promotes self-care and mental resilience, potentially enhancing the quality of life and complementing traditional cancer therapies without the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals.

What evidence suggests that this mindfulness-based stress reduction program is effective for improving mental health outcomes in cancer patients?

Research has shown that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can benefit cancer patients. Studies have found that MBSR reduces anxiety and depression, common issues among these patients. Participants in such programs often experience less stress and a greater sense of control, enhancing their overall quality of life. Mindfulness-based programs are particularly effective at lowering stress hormones like cortisol. This suggests that MBSR can help cancer patients manage mental health challenges, especially in underserved areas. Participants in this trial will engage in MBSR sessions weekly for 8 weeks as part of the supportive care arm.26789

Who Is on the Research Team?

SD

Stacy D D'Andre

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer patients in underserved or rural areas of Minnesota who have limited access to mental health services. It aims to help them manage stress and improve their mental well-being from home.

Inclusion Criteria

Have a computer or smartphone
I am willing to fill out questionnaires.
I have or had cancer.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Life expectancy < 12 months
Active psychiatric disease
Non-English-speaking patients

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in weekly virtual MBSR sessions for stress reduction

8 weeks
8 virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in stress, anxiety, and mindfulness

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

Trial Overview

The study tests a virtual Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, assessing if it can enhance mental health outcomes by teaching participants how to better cope with stress related to their condition.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Supportive care (MBSR)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3,427
Recruited
3,221,000+

Citations

Mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients in ...

Mindfulness interventions may improve quality of life in patients with cancer. Mindfulness interventions may decrease cancer-related depression and anxiety.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Cancer Survivors

Following the 6-week MBSR program, patients showed improvements in stress and anxiety. Patients also had significant decreases in cortisol at ...

Effect of mindfulness-based stress on cancer-related ...

Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSR) has been increasingly used in the treatment of breast cancer patients to reduce psychological ...

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on quality of life ...

The results of the meta-analysis showed that MBSR therapy were significantly better than standard care in reducing FOR in breast cancer patients ...

Effect of a 4-Week Internet-Delivered Mindfulness-Based ...

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 4-week internet-delivered mindfulness-based cancer recovery (iMBCR) program in reducing symptom burden

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cancer ...

MBSR is effective in the treatment of CRF induced by breast cancer, and no obvious adverse effects occur; thus, MBSR can be recommended as a beneficial ...

Study Details | NCT06991309 | Mindfulness-based Stress ...

ACT and MBSR have been reported to enhance positive psychology and alleviate psychological distress among cancer patients. However, data regarding ACT and ...

The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR ...

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the MBSR program on psychological states and QoL in lung cancer patients.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction ...

MBSR interventions are effective in enhancing mindfulness and alleviating stress or stress-like symptoms in cancer patients and survivors.