RCT of an Online MBSR Intervention with Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

A 6-week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) intervention improved mindfulness and several psychological and quality-of-life measures in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The intervention did not significantly affect biomarkers of stress or inflammation, though increased mindfulness correlated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. Participants reported high satisfaction with the program. The authors conclude that online MBSR can address the multidimensional needs of this high-risk population while minimizing burden.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract PurposeThe diagnosis and treatment of cancer can result in an array of psychological and physical sequelae for patients. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a well-validated intervention aimed at reducing emotional distress and improving long-term treatment effects in cancer patients. Further studies employing more powerful control group designs are needed to validate MBSR in patients with advanced disease and in novel clinical settings that facilitate enrollment. Patients diagnosed with metastatic disease are highly impacted by their disease and treatment and are an under-examined high-risk population. Methods This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a 6-week modified online MBSR intervention in improving psychological and physical symptoms associated with quality-of-life, as well as biomarkers associated with their disease trajectory, in patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Results The 6-week online intervention was found to significantly improve measures of mindfulness and several psychological/quality of life indices. There were no intervention effects on biomarkers of stress or inflammation, although improved levels of mindfulness due to the intervention were negatively correlated with several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα. Patients indicated high satisfaction with the content and delivery method of the intervention. Conclusions Addressing the multidimensional needs of metastatic patients requires service delivery models that integrate powerful interventions into care settings while minimizing participant burden. This study developed a novel online MBSR treatment for distressed metastatic breast cancer patients that was found to be effective in improving mindfulness and several areas pertinent to patient quality of life.