A systematic review of 14 studies (three randomized controlled trials, five open-label trials, five qualitative studies, and one case report) found that psilocybin-assisted therapy consistently reduced depression, anxiety, and existential distress in patients with life-threatening cancer. Improvements lasted several months. Adverse effects were generally mild and temporary. The review concludes that psilocybin therapy shows potential as an effective treatment for cancer-related psychological distress, but larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm the findings.
A group mindfulness program for breast cancer survivors was compared with an education support program for cost-effectiveness. Over six months, the mindfulness program cost $5,744 per participant on average, while the education program cost $6,140. The mindfulness program dominated the education program in cost-utility analysis, saving $541 per participant while providing a small gain in quality-adjusted life years (0.021 QALY). Savings came mainly from fewer emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and tests. The mindfulness program had a higher probability of being cost-effective across a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds. The findings suggest the mindfulness program is likely cost-effective for breast cancer survivors.
A randomized clinical trial tested whether improvements in cognitive functioning and perceived cognitive abilities from a 6-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program for breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]) were mediated by increased mindfulness, decreased rumination, or decreased perceived stress. Among 212 breast cancer survivors (mean age 56.5, 73.1% White non-Hispanic), increases in the "observing" facet of mindfulness partially mediated MBSR(BC) effects on quality-of-life impairments and logical memory at 6 months compared to usual care. No mediation effects were found at 6 or 12 weeks, nor when MBSR(BC) was compared to a Breast Cancer Education Support program. The results partially support that cognitive improvements may occur through increased mindfulness.