Effects of Meditation-Based Stress Reduction in Younger Women with Breast Cancer

摘要

The Breast Research Initiative for Determining Effective Skills for coping with Cancer (BRIDGES) consists of a prospective, randomized intervention trial with sixty women in each of three arms: (1) the UMASS mindfulness meditation-based Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program (SR & RP); (2) a nutrition education program (NEP) developed specifically for BRIDGES; and (3) a usual care control group. The 180 women under age 65 with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer enrolling into this randomized trial are being evaluated for: (1) psychological and behavioral indices of function and coping; (2) Quality of Life (QOL) measures; (3) compliance with the interventions and with medical treatment regimes; and (4) biochemical/immunological measures consisting of cytokines and melatonin. Analyses will be conducted to test hypotheses related to the three specific aims of the study: SR&RP effect on QOL; SR & RP & NEP effects on immune parameters; and durability/decay of intervention-related effects. As of 30 September 1996, the study had closely adhered to the Statement of Work agreed upon at the time the grant was awarded. 178 women were recruited and randomized into the study. Most subjects (90%) who have been randomized and begun the study have been retained. All data have been collected as per protocol stipulations.