Yoga for Cancer-Related Stress

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Pregnant, Nursing, Skeletal instabilities, Cardio-pulmonary, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a yoga program can reduce stress in cancer survivors. Participants will join online yoga sessions focusing on breathing, movement, and meditation for 12 weeks. This trial suits cancer survivors who have completed treatment and received medical clearance to engage in physical activities. As an unphased trial, it provides a unique opportunity for participants to explore the benefits of yoga in a supportive environment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What prior data suggests that this yoga intervention is safe for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that yoga is generally safe for cancer survivors. A detailed review found that yoga lowers anxiety and depression while boosting emotional well-being. Another study discovered that yoga improved sleep quality, with most participants recommending it to others. Importantly, several studies reported no increased risk of unwanted side effects for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy who practiced yoga. Overall, yoga appears well-tolerated, making it a promising option for managing cancer-related stress. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Most treatments for cancer-related stress focus on medication or talk therapy, but yoga offers a unique, holistic approach. Researchers are excited about yoga because it combines physical movement with meditation and breathing exercises, which can help reduce stress without the side effects of medication. This online yoga intervention is particularly appealing because it provides accessibility and flexibility, allowing patients to practice from home at their own pace. By integrating mind and body practices, yoga could offer a more comprehensive way to manage stress related to cancer.

What evidence suggests that yoga is effective for reducing cancer-related stress?

Studies have shown that yoga effectively reduces stress, anxiety, and depression in cancer survivors. Research indicates that yoga also boosts spiritual and emotional well-being. Additionally, online yoga has improved sleep quality and reduced tiredness. Evidence suggests that yoga enhances the overall quality of life for those who have had cancer. These findings highlight yoga's potential benefits as a supportive care treatment for cancer-related stress. Participants in this trial will receive an online yoga intervention as part of the supportive care arm. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kathryn Glaser

Principal Investigator

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer survivors who are 18 or older, have finished treatment, and been cleared for physical activity by a healthcare provider. They must understand the study and agree to its terms. It's not for those unable to follow the protocol, pregnant or nursing individuals, people with skeletal/cardio-pulmonary issues, or if English assessments can't be completed.

Inclusion Criteria

Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure

I have completed my cancer treatment.

I have been cleared for physical activity by a healthcare professional.

Exclusion Criteria

I have bone weaknesses or heart/lung health issues.

Have any condition which in the investigator's opinion deems the subject an unsuitable candidate to participate in this study

Are pregnant or nursing

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive an online hatha yoga intervention once a week for 12 weeks, incorporating restorative poses, breathing techniques, and guided meditation

12 weeks

12 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for stress reduction and quality of life improvements, with assessments including self-reported stress and biomarker analysis

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Yoga Intervention

Trial Overview The trial is testing an online hatha yoga program designed to reduce stress in cancer survivors. The program includes restorative poses, breathing exercises, guided meditation and aims to improve overall health quality.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supportive care (yoga) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Patients receive online yoga intervention QW for 12 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

427

Recruited

40,500+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 68 breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, an integrated yoga program significantly reduced anxiety and depression levels, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while the control group experienced increased anxiety and depression.

Although both groups showed elevated radiation-induced DNA damage after treatment, the yoga group exhibited slightly less DNA damage compared to the control group, suggesting that yoga may help mitigate some of the negative effects of radiotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of an integrated yoga program in modulating psychological stress and radiation-induced genotoxic stress in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Banerjee, B., Vadiraj, HS., Ram, A., et al.[2022]

A review of 29 randomized controlled trials found that yoga significantly improves overall quality of life for cancer patients and survivors, particularly reducing fatigue and enhancing stress management during and after treatment.

Yoga may also positively influence biomarkers related to stress, inflammation, and immune function, although further research is needed to clarify its effects on anxiety, depression, and other specific cancer symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga for symptom management in oncology: A review of the evidence base and future directions for research. Danhauer, SC., Addington, EL., Cohen, L., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 163 women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer, those who participated in a 6-week yoga intervention reported improved mental quality of life, especially if they had high baseline depressive symptoms or sleep disturbances.

The yoga intervention not only enhanced mental health outcomes but also helped participants find benefits in their cancer experience, which partially mediated improvements in physical quality of life after treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining Mediators and Moderators of Yoga for Women With Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy. Ratcliff, CG., Milbury, K., Chandwani, KD., et al.[2018]

In a pilot study involving 32 breast cancer patients, those who participated in relaxation training using the Yoga In Daily Life (YIDL) system reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress compared to those who did not receive the training.

The relaxation training not only helped reduce distress during hospitalization but also continued to benefit patients in the weeks following discharge, suggesting its potential as a valuable therapeutic intervention in clinical oncology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of relaxation training according to Yoga In Daily Life® system on perceived stress after breast cancer surgery. Kovačič, T., Kovačič, M.[2015]

Research indicates that yoga can help alleviate negative psychosocial and physical effects related to cancer and its treatments, but there is a gap in applying these findings to practical yoga programs for cancer survivors.

The article outlines a framework for creating effective yoga programs for cancer patients and presents a successful community-based example, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and implementation in integrative oncology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Translating knowledge: a framework for evidence-informed yoga programs in oncology. Wurz, AJ., Capozzi, LC., Mackenzie, MJ., et al.[2013]

Therapeutic yoga has been shown to improve various aspects of quality of life for cancer patients, including better sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, and enhanced spiritual well-being, based on a review of multiple studies.

The absence of side effects and the positive feedback from participants suggest that yoga could be a beneficial complementary therapy for cancer patients, although the studies had methodological limitations that warrant further research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of yoga on patients with cancer: our current understanding. Côté, A., Daneault, S.[2022]

A review of eight nonrandomized studies indicates that yoga is feasible and safe for children and adolescents with cancer, with retention rates around 70% and positive participant feedback.

Preliminary findings suggest that yoga may significantly improve health-related quality of life (HRQL) by reducing symptoms like anxiety and pain in pediatric oncology patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga in the Pediatric Oncology Population: A Review of the Literature. Spector, D.[2021]

Regular Iyengar yoga practice for 90 minutes twice a week over 8 weeks significantly reduced morning and evening salivary cortisol levels in breast cancer survivors, indicating improved stress regulation.

Participants in the yoga group reported better emotional well-being and lower fatigue, suggesting that yoga may enhance psychosocial functioning and could be a beneficial, low-risk intervention for breast cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Iyengar yoga practice on fatigue and diurnal salivary cortisol concentration in breast cancer survivors. Banasik, J., Williams, H., Haberman, M., et al.[2022]

In a seven-week yoga program for 66 cancer survivors, participants experienced significant reductions in mood disturbance and stress symptoms, along with improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQL) that were sustained for at least six months after the program.

The study found that initial positive beliefs about yoga, along with mindfulness and affect, were key predictors of these mental health improvements and the continued practice of yoga among participants.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Affect and mindfulness as predictors of change in mood disturbance, stress symptoms, and quality of life in a community-based yoga program for cancer survivors. Mackenzie, MJ., Carlson, LE., Ekkekakis, P., et al.[2022]

A one-on-one yoga therapy session delivered via telehealth significantly reduced physical and global distress in cancer patients, with notable improvements in anxiety and fatigue, based on data from 95 patient encounters.

The study highlights the potential of yoga therapy as an effective complementary treatment in oncology, suggesting that even a single session can lead to meaningful symptom relief, warranting further research on long-term benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga Therapy in Cancer Care via Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mallaiah, S., Narayanan, S., Wagner, R., et al.[2022]

In a study involving children aged 7-17 with cancer or blood disorders, a single bedside yoga class significantly reduced pain levels in children, as measured by the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale.

While children did not show a change in anxiety levels, both adolescents and their parents experienced a significant decrease in anxiety after the yoga intervention, indicating potential benefits for family members as well.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Yoga as a Complementary and Alternative Therapy in Children with Hematologic and Oncologic Disease. Fukuhara, JS., O'Haver, J., Proudfoot, JA., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11259513/

Yoga as a Therapeutic Intervention in Cancer Care Consistent reports indicated significant reductions in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as enhancements in physical ...

2. 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 ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879406824001826

The effect of YOCAS©® yoga on cancer-related fatigue ... Yoga has been found to be effective in reducing CRF and improving QOL in cancer survivors [[29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36]]. However, research ...

4. 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.

5. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/01050/effect_of_yoga_on_cancer_related_fatigue_in.41.aspx

Effect of yoga on cancer-related fatigue in patients with... Yoga can alleviate fatigue, improve sleep quality and negative emotions, and improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer.

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

Effects of yoga on health-related quality, physical health and ... Although several randomized trials (32-35,38) found no evidence of increased risk of AEs associated with yoga for women with breast cancer under chemotherapy.