The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on symptom burden, positive psychological outcomes, and biomarkers in cancer patients
Linda E. Carlson, Codie R. Rouleau, Sheila N. Garland
Cancer Management and Research June 1, 2015 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s64165 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Descriptive review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cancer patients |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction mindfulness-based interventions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychological intervention Psychosocial Clinical psychology Cancer Mindfulness-based stress reduction Disease Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 152 |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions reduce psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, and promote quality of life and spirituality in cancer patients. |
Abstract
Research on the use of mindfulness-based stress reduction and related mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in cancer care has proliferated over the past decade. MBIs have aimed to facilitate physical and emotional adjustment to life with cancer through the cultivation and practice of mindfulness (ie, purposeful, nonjudgmental, moment-to-moment awareness). This descriptive review highlights three categories of outcomes that have been evaluated in MBI research with cancer patients - namely, symptom reduction, positive psychological growth, and biological outcomes. We also examine the clinical relevance of each targeted outcome, while describing recently published original studies to highlight novel applications of MBIs tailored to individuals with cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that participation in a MBI contributes to reductions in psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, and promotes personal growth in areas such as quality of life and spirituality. MBIs may also influence markers of immune function, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation, and autonomic nervous system activity, though it remains unclear whether these biological changes translate to clinically important health benefits. We conclude by discussing methodological limitations of the extant literature, and implications of matching MBIs to the needs and preferences of cancer patients. Overall, the growing popularity of MBIs in cancer care must be balanced against scientific evidence for their impact on specific clinical outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 19
- Mindfulness-based interventions for cancer patients in standard treatment: A meta-analysis of effects on depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Journal of Psychosomatic Research July 5, 2025
- Revitalizing Minds: Exploring the Transformative Power of Mindfulness-Based Nursing Interventions on Depression and Resilience in Oncology Patients-A Quasiexperimental Approach. International Journal of Nursing Practice April 1, 2025
- Integrating mind and body: Investigating differential activation of nodes of the default mode network Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience September 16, 2023
- Development of Guided Respiration Mindfulness Therapy: Manualization and Evaluation of Therapist Training and Clinical Outcomes in the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Queensland University of Technology February 27, 2017
- Effects of Mindfulness Therapy on Stress Biomarkers and Psychological Symptoms in Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial Stress and Health October 1, 2026
and 14 more in the library
Cites 47
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression August 21, 2006
- 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
- What Do We Really Know About Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction? Psychosomatic Medicine 2002
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review Journal of Advanced Nursing September 29, 2005
and 42 more in the library