Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Relation to Quality of Life, Mood, Symptoms of Stress, and Immune Parameters in Breast and Prostate Cancer Outpatients
Psychosomatic Medicine July 1, 2003 Linda E. Carlson, Michael Speca, Kamala D. Patel et al. 773 citations
An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program for early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients was associated with improved quality of life, reduced stress symptoms, and better sleep quality. Although overall immune cell counts did not change, T cell production of IL-4 increased and IFN-gamma decreased, while NK cell production of IL-10 decreased, suggesting a shift in immune profile away from one linked to depressive symptoms. This is the first study to show changes in cancer-related cytokine production with MBSR participation.