Mindfulness Therapy for Individuals With Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title: A Mindfulness Intervention for Symptom Management in Lung Cancer

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Managing psychological and physical symptoms to improve quality of life in patients with lung cancer are a major public health concern. Mindfulness-based therapies are showing promise in modifying psychological distress and improving quality of life in some cancer groups, but little testing has included lung cancer samples. Mindfulness-based therapies integrate meditation, breathing, and gentle yoga practices to promote an attitude of nonjudgmental acceptance and awareness of bodily states. Such strategies may promote well being, self-regulation, and symptom management. The study purpose was to test the acceptability, feasibility, and symptom / health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of a home-based mindfulness intervention for individuals with advanced lung cancer during non-curative treatment (radiation and/or chemotherapy). Acceptability and feasibility were measured via patient consent and retention rates, therapy expectancy, study adherence, attrition reasons, and quality assurance indicators. Efficacy was determined via symptom and HRQOL (health perceptions, physical and emotional function) outcomes. 40 patients undergoing treatment of non-small cell lung cancer were randomized to receive either six weekly mindfulness sessions (N=20) or an attention control condition (N=20). Outcome data was obtained at baseline (Time 1), post-intervention (Time 2, week 8), and four weeks after completion (Time 3, week 11). In addition, both groups received weekly symptom assessment interviews. The hypothesis was that the mindfulness group would report better symptom management and HRQOL (lower worry, dyspnea, insomnia, depression; higher physical and social function; more positive health perceptions) than the attention control group at the protocol end and that these differences will be sustained at Time 3.

Clinical Trial Description

The final sample (n = 32) included 16 patients in the intervention and 16 in the attention control group (study attrition (n = 8, 20%). ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Supportive Care

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Lung Cancer
• Lung Neoplasms

• NCT number: NCT01565980
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Michigan State University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: March 2012
• Completion date: June 2013