Mindfulness-based supportive therapy on reducing suffering in patients with advanced cancer: randomised controlled trial
S. Tan, Chung-Huey Chee, Chin-Fei Ngai, S. L. Hii, Yi Tan, Chong-Guan Ng, D. Capelle, Sheriza Izwa Zainuddin, E. Loh, C. Lam, C. Chai, D. Ng
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care April 22, 2022 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003349 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Patients with advanced cancer and an overall suffering score of 4/10 or higher on the Suffering Pictogram at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based supportive therapy (MBST) |
| Measures | Suffering Pictogram, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based supportive therapy reduced overall suffering and improved anxiety, depression, and spiritual well-being more than the control condition in patients with advanced cancer. Median changes favored MBST on suffering (-2.0 vs -1.0), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale total (-4.0 vs -3.0), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being total (+14.5 vs +5.0). |
Abstract
Objectives: Suffering is common among patients with advanced cancer. The practice of mindfulness during patient care can potentially reduce suffering. We aimed to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based supportive therapy (MBST) on reducing suffering in patients with advanced cancer.
Methods: We conducted a parallel-group, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Seventy-three patients with advanced cancer with an overall suffering score ≥4/10 based on the Suffering Pictogram were recruited and randomly assigned into either the MBST group (n=34) or the control group (n=39).
Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the overall suffering score in the MBST group compared with the control group (U=432.5, median1=−2.0, median2=−1.0, z=−2.645, p=0.008). There was also significant improvement in the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (U=483.5, median1=−4.0, median2=−3.0, z=−1.994, p=0.046), and the total Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being score (U=252.0, median1=+14.5, median2=+5.0, z=−4.549, p=0.000) in the MBST group compared with the control group.
Conclusions: The results provided evidence that the practice of MBST during patient care could promote positive psychosocial outcomes.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 5
- Mindful breathing for cancer pain: efficacy of a single 20-minute session - a randomised controlled study. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care August 20, 2024
- Effect of a 5-Minute Mindfulness-of-Gratitude Practice on Suffering and Spiritual Well-Being in Palliative Care Inpatients: A Randomized Controlled Study. The American journal of hospice & palliative care July 22, 2026
- Mindfulness-based interventions for pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients receiving palliative care: a meta-analysis. Journal of Research in Nursing February 26, 2026
- Guided Mindfulness of Death to Reduce Fear of Death in Cancer Patients: Randomized Controlled Study. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management August 13, 2025
- Mindfulness on Symptom Control and Quality of Life in Patients in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. The American journal of hospice & palliative care July 19, 2023
Cites 6
- Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review Journal of Advanced Nursing September 29, 2005
- Does Mindfulness Training Enhance the Professional Development of Residents? A Qualitative Study. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges September 2018
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction for low back pain. A systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine September 25, 2012
- What is the evidence for the use of mindfulness-based interventions in cancer care? A review. Psycho-Oncology August 4, 2010
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology February 1, 2010
and 1 more in the library