The Moderating Role of Genetics on the Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR(BC)) Program on Cognitive Impairment
Jong Y Park, Cecile A Lengacher, Carmen S. Rodriguez, Hongdao Meng, Kevin E Kip, Sandra Morgan, Anisha Joshi, Gizem Hueluer, Julia R. Wang, Sara Tinsley, Charles Cox, John Kiluk, Kristine A Donovan, Manolete S Moscoso, Elizabeth Bornstein, Jean M Lucas, Tamela Fonseca, Mahathi Krothapalli, Lynne S Padgett, Sreenidhi Nidamanur, Estella Hornback, Diya Patel, Ramya Chamkeri, Richard R Reich
Biological Research for Nursing April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/10998004241289629 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 128 |
| Population | Breast cancer survivors who received chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR(BC)) Breast Cancer Education Support Program |
| Duration | Assessments at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks |
| Measures | objective neuropsychological measures, subjective measures of cognitive performance, psychological and physical symptom measures |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Registration | NCT02786797 |
| Key findings | MBSR(BC) produced significantly greater improvements in cognitive functioning than the education support program, but the degree of benefit varied by genotype. Among 22 candidate SNPs, rs4680 in COMT, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs6277 in DRD2 showed the strongest and most consistent moderating effects on cognitive outcomes, though effect sizes were small. |
Abstract
Background: Genetics may influence symptoms experienced by breast cancer survivors (BCS) by moderating the effects of stress-reducing interventions, including the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR(BC)) program, to reduce symptom severity. As part of a larger clinical trial, the aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variants as moderators of MBSR(BC) on improvements among BCS in cognitive functioning and symptoms.
Methods: BCS ( n = 128) were randomized to MBSR(BC) or the Breast Cancer Education Support Program. Objective neuropsychological and subjective measures of cognitive performance, and psychological and physical symptoms were collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Linear mixed models were implemented to identify MBSR(BC)’s effects over time. A total of 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 20 genes known to be related to these symptoms were investigated using genomic DNA. These SNPs were tested as moderators of MBSR(BC) program effects.
Results: Results showed MBSR(BC) participants experienced significantly greater benefits in cognitive functioning, however, the level of benefit varied based on one’s genetic profile. Effects sizes, consistency across similar measures were investigated. Among 22 candidate SNPs, rs4680 in COMT, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs6277 in DRD2 demonstrated the strongest, most consistent positive effects in moderating MBSR(BC)’s impact on cognitive outcomes.
Conclusions: Although the effects were small, this translational research may potentially identify BCS with genotypes that would be most influenced by the MBSR(BC) program. These results may be used to develop personalized intervention programs tailored to the genetic profile of each breast cancer survivor who received chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02786797.
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 2
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduces parenting anxiety and enhances quality of life in patients with breast cancer. World Journal of Psychiatry December 19, 2025
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction and mental health in department of emergency nurses: A narrative review. World Journal of Psychiatry September 19, 2025
Cites 8
- Cancer, cognitive impairment, and meditation Acta oncologica November 22, 2008
- Using mindfulness-based stress reduction to relieve loneliness, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine September 15, 2023
- Mindfulness intervention improves cognitive function in older adults by enhancing the level of miRNA-29c in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles Scientific Reports November 14, 2021
- Translational genomic research: the role of genetic polymorphisms in MBSR program among breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]). Translational Behavioral Medicine August 20, 2018
- Feasibility of the mobile mindfulness-based stress reduction for breast cancer (mMBSR(BC)) program for symptom improvement among breast cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology February 1, 2018
and 3 more in the library