Feasibility of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Children With High Grade/High Risk Cancer and Their Caregivers: Lessons Learned From a Pilot Randomized Control Trial.
Taryn Allen, Paige Little, Melissa Baker, Mary Anne Toledo-Tamula, Staci Martin
The American journal of hospice & palliative care October 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/10499091261496433 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Pilot randomized controlled trial Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Children and adolescents/young adults aged 5-24 years with high-risk cancer characterized by poor prognosis, plus an adult caregiver for each |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) Psychoeducation |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cancer Feasibility Pediatric Poor prognosis Hrqol Pilot |
| Key findings | The 8-week mindfulness-based intervention showed poor feasibility: only five dyads (N=10) enrolled and three dyads completed the intervention, leading the study to be discontinued. The authors attribute low enrollment to challenges in providing supportive care to children with high-risk cancer and offer recommendations for future research. |
Abstract
BackgroundChildren and young adults diagnosed with a high-grade/relapsed-refractory cancer face a poor prognosis given limited curative options. Recent research has indicated that this population of children and adolescents/young adults (AYAs), alongside their parents, experience elevated stress and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) relative to normative samples. Despite this, minimal research has examined supportive care interventions for these populations. The primary objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility (primary outcome) and acceptability of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in this population.MethodsEligible participants included individuals aged 5-24 years diagnosed with a high-risk cancer characterized by poor prognosis, with an adult caregiver willing to participate in the parallel caregiver arm. A random number generator was used to assign dyads to the MBI (n = 2 dyads) or psychoeducation control group (n = 3 dyads).ResultsFive dyads (N = 10) enrolled in the study, with 3 dyads completing the intervention. All participants completed measures of feasibility and emotional-behavioral wellbeing at baseline and the study completers responded to follow-up measures after the 8-week intervention. Due to low enrollment, the study was discontinued and results are presented descriptively along with recommendations for future interventions with this population.ConclusionsThis pilot trial of an MBI for children with high-risk cancer and their caregivers demonstrated poor feasibility and highlights challenges in providing supportive care to children with high-risk cancer. The barriers and recommendations are provided to inform future research with this underserved population.
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
Cites 3
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- Engagement Strategies to Improve Adherence and Retention in Web-Based Mindfulness Programs: Systematic Review Journal of Medical Internet Research August 28, 2023
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and cancer: a meta-analysis. Psycho-Oncology June 2009