Psycho-oncology
January 1, 2024
Ellen Krueger, Ekin Secinti, Jesse C Stewart et al.
14 citations
A meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials found that cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions produce a small reduction in distress (Hedges's g = 0.21) and a minimal improvement in quality of life (Hedges's g = 0.15) for patients with advanced cancer. The two types of interventions did not differ in effectiveness. Delivering interventions to individuals rather than dyads or groups yielded larger effects on quality of life. No factors were found to moderate the effect on distress. The authors note that the small number and variable quality of studies limit the conclusions and call for more rigorous trials.
Psycho-oncology
January 1, 2024
Stella Snyder, Ekin Secinti, Kelly Chinh et al.
6 citations
A 10-item version of the Cognitive Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (CAMS-R) shows promise for measuring mindfulness in people with cancer. In a sample of 404 patients with breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or prostate cancer (half with stage IV cancer, 51% women), the scale's original four-factor structure (attention, present focus, awareness, acceptance) with an overall mindfulness factor fit the data reasonably well. Internal consistency was excellent. Higher mindfulness scores correlated with greater self-compassion and lower anxiety, depressive symptoms, rumination, psychological inflexibility, and avoidant coping. The scale performed consistently across genders, cancer types, and cancer stages. Further research should test whether the CAMS-R can detect changes from mindfulness interventions.
Psycho-oncology
July 1, 2025
Hongdao Meng, Cecile A Lengacher, Rio Tate et al.
1 citation
A group mindfulness program for breast cancer survivors was compared with an education support program for cost-effectiveness. Over six months, the mindfulness program cost $5,744 per participant on average, while the education program cost $6,140. The mindfulness program dominated the education program in cost-utility analysis, saving $541 per participant while providing a small gain in quality-adjusted life years (0.021 QALY). Savings came mainly from fewer emergency room visits, hospital admissions, and tests. The mindfulness program had a higher probability of being cost-effective across a range of willingness-to-pay thresholds. The findings suggest the mindfulness program is likely cost-effective for breast cancer survivors.
Psycho-oncology
December 1, 2025
Dalnim Cho, Sairah Ahmed, Stella Snyder et al.
For adolescents and young adults with lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy, a group-based psychoeducation intervention delivered via videoconference led to significant improvements in cancer-related symptom severity and interference over 12 weeks, while a meditation-based intervention did not show similar benefits. Both interventions were feasible, with comparable attendance and assessment completion rates, though consent was only 51.4%. Virtual delivery of supportive care appears accessible and scalable, but strategies to improve adherence and retention are needed.
Psycho-oncology
November 1, 2025
Marie-Estelle Gaignard, Dominica Martin, Jelena Stanic et al.
An online mindfulness program for women with breast or gynecological cancer reduced depression with a medium effect size compared to a control group, though other psychological measures like anxiety, spiritual well-being, and post-traumatic growth showed only favorable trends without statistical significance. At three months, most effects diminished. Qualitative interviews revealed four themes: a safe environment, skill acquisition, enhanced well-being, and exposure to cancer memories. The latter prompted beneficial inner work for most but was deeply challenging for four participants. The program fostered self-exploration and self-efficacy, but challenging experiences also emerged.