An Internet Mantram Repetition Program to Promote Well-being in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.
Jennifer M Hulett, An-Lin Cheng, Jill E Bormann, Allison B Anbari, Jane M Armer, Brooke M Hartman, B Ann Bettencourt, Leeanne B Sherwin, Edie L Sperling, Natsayakarn Narkthong, Carol Reinero, Hans Rindt, Kathy Schreiber, Lindsay L Peterson, Emily Albright
Integrative Cancer Therapies January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1177/15347354241290504 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) was feasible and acceptable for women recently treated for breast cancer, with 86% adherence and 19.2% attrition. Pooled pre-to-post-intervention data showed decreased perceived stress and increased spiritual well-being. Cytokine analysis revealed that IFN-γ and IL-17A increased in the waitlisted group and decreased in the treatment group. The findings suggest MRP may reduce perceived stress and support spiritual well-being, but further studies are needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial pilot Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 26 |
| Population | Women recently treated for breast cancer |
| Intervention | Mantram Repetition Program |
| Duration | 6-week intervention, 12-week total participation period, 6-week follow-up for the treatment group |
| Keywords | Breast cancer Immune Mantram repetition program Psychological Spiritual |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key finding | The internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program reduced perceived stress and improved spiritual well-being in women recently treated for breast cancer. |
Abstract
Introduction: The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) for women recently treated for breast cancer. A secondary objective explored changes in perceived stress, psycho-spiritual measures, and cytokines in the treatment group compared to a waitlist. Methods: A feasibility study (ORBIT model Phase IIa) with a randomized controlled trial pilot was conducted. Eligible women recently treated for breast cancer were randomized to the treatment group (n = 14) or a waitlist group (n = 12) and participated for 12 weeks. During weeks 1-6, the treatment group received the MRP intervention while the waitlisted group was inactive. During weeks 7-12, the treatment group was inactive while the waitlisted group received the MRP intervention. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the internet-delivered MRP intervention protocol. Participants completed pre and post-intervention psycho-spiritual health assessments. A subset of participants provided serum for cytokine analyses at enrollment and week 6, coinciding with the period in which the treatment group receiving the MRP intervention. Results: Overall study attrition was 19.2%. MRP adherence for both groups was 86% at post-intervention and 90% in the treatment group at 6-week follow-up. Pre-to-post-intervention analyses pooling both groups' data demonstrated decreased perceived stress (p = .045) and increased spiritual well-being (p =.004). IFN-γ and IL-17A were increased in the waitlisted group and decreased in the treatment group (p = 0.048). Conclusion: Feasibility of a 6-week, internet-delivered MRP intervention for breast cancer survivors was established. Psycho-spiritual variables and serum cytokines are suitable clinical outcome measures for future MRP studies with breast cancer survivors. Data suggest MRP may reduce perceived stress and support spiritual well-being in women with breast cancer; however, additional studies are needed.