Effects of Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Li-Ying Lin, Li-Hua Lin, Ghao-Ling Tzeng, Ya-Hui Huang, Jui-Fen Tai, Yu-Ling Chen, Chia-Jung Wu, Pin-Hsi Chen, Pei-Chin Lin, Pi-Lien Hung
Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings June 2022 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09862-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cancer patients |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Fatigue Mindfulness-based therapy Quality of life |
| Key findings | MBSR/MBCT showed significant short-term effects on quality of life in cancer patients (SMD 0.80), with subgroup benefits for anxiety and quality of life in early-stage cancer, pain reduction within 4 weeks after intervention, and fatigue reduction in younger participants. The authors conclude benefits are short-term and most evident in younger patients and early cancer stages. |
Abstract
This meta-analysis was a systematic review of evidence on the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on quality of life (QOL), pain, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients. Until July 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The study included 18 RCTs. The MBSR/MBCT intervention resulted in a significant effect on QOL (SMD 0.80, CI 0.28, 1.32, I2 = 94%). In subgroup analysis, MBSR/MBCT interventions had a significant effect in the early cancer stage on anxiety (SMD - 3.48, CI - 4.07, - 2.88), and QOL (SMD 4.30, CI 3.62, 4.99); in alleviating decreasing pain (SMD - 0.42, CI - 0.70, - 0.14) within 4 weeks after the end of intervention, and alleviating fatigue in younger participants (SMD - 0.64, CI - 1.09, - 0.19). MBSR/MBCT has short-term effects on cancer patients, especially in younger patients and early cancer stages.