Randomized controlled pilot study of mindfulness-based stress reduction for persistently fatigued cancer survivors.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in reducing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and associated symptoms in cancer survivors.
Results Summary
The MBSR group showed large post-intervention reductions in fatigue interference, fatigue severity, depression, and sleep disturbance, with improvements maintained or strengthened at follow-up. High adherence and participant-reported home practice were noted.
Population
35 cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF.
Effective Dosage
7-week MBSR-based intervention (mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress self-regulation).
Duration
7 weeks, with follow-up assessments at 1 month and 6 months post-intervention.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | fatigue interference | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -1.43 | reported large post-intervention reductions | #1 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | fatigue severity | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -1.55 | reported large post-intervention reductions | #2 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | increase | vitality | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = 1.29 | reported large post-intervention reductions | #3 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | depression | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -1.30 | reported large post-intervention reductions | #4 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | sleep disturbance | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -0.74 | reported large post-intervention reductions | #5 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | disability | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -1.22 | significant improvements | #6 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | decrease | anxiety | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | d = -0.98 | significant improvements | #7 |
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) | no change | all outcomes | cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF | 6 months after completing the course | maintained | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common, persistent, and disabling symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. Evidence-based treatments that are acceptable to patients are critically needed. This study examined the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for CRF and related symptoms. METHOD: A sample of 35 cancer survivors with clinically significant CRF was randomly assigned to a 7-week MBSR-based intervention or wait-list control group. The intervention group received training in mindfulness meditation, yoga, and self-regulatory responses to stress. Fatigue interference (primary outcome) and a variety of secondary outcomes (e.g., fatigue severity, vitality, disability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Bonferroni correction was employed to account for multiple comparisons. Controls received the intervention after the 1-month follow-up. Participants in both groups were followed for 6 months after completing their respective MBSR courses to assess maintenance of effects. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the MBSR group reported large post-intervention reductions as assessed by effect sizes (d) in the primary outcome, fatigue interference (d = -1.43, p < 0.001), along with fatigue severity (d = -1.55, p < 0.001), vitality (d = 1.29, p < 0.001), depression (d = -1.30, p < 0.001), and sleep disturbance (d = -0.74, p = 0.001). Results were maintained or strengthened at 1-month follow-up, the point at which significant improvements in disability (d = -1.22, p < 0.002) and anxiety (d = -0.98, p = 0.002) occurred. Improvements in all outcomes were maintained 6 months after completing the course. MBSR adherence was high, with 90% attendance across groups and high rates of participant-reported home practice of mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based stress reduction is a promising treatment for CRF and associated symptoms.