RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06500377

Comparing the Impact of Four Types of Meditation Practices for Relaxation in Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Study Exploring Four Types of Meditation Practices for Relaxation Among Cancer Survivors

Sponsor

City of Hope Medical Center

Enrollment

44 participants

Start Date

Jun 17, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System Neoplasm Malignant Solid Neoplasm

Summary

This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety. Meditation therapy uses a variety of techniques, such as breathing, sound, or movement, that may help to decrease distress and anxiety and enhance the health and quality of life of patients with cancer. The trial is being done to find out how meditation can help cancer survivors feel relaxed and attain a peaceful state of mind.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria10

Documented written informed consent of the participant
Age: ≥ 18 years
Ability to understand and fluently speak English or Spanish
No previous training in mind-body relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, guided imagery, mindfulness-based stress reduction, hypnosis, or cognitive behavior therapy, that exceeds 3 hours. Additionally, no regular practice of mind-body relaxation techniques, or formal experience with mind-body relaxation techniques within the past 12 months
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) anxiety score of > 3 from a range from 0 to 10. A "0" means the lowest anxiety score and a "10" means the highest anxiety score
Long-term cancer survivors who received surgery to treat their cancer ( > 6 months since last treatment) with no history of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other systemic therapy (e.g., hormonal therapy) and/or have completely recovered from surgery OR patients identified as having pre-cancerous lesions that have been surgically treated (e.g., colon polyp that has been removed)
Willingness to:
Provide salivary alpha-amylase sample
Complete stress tests and study questionnaires
Be monitored with a Bispectral Index (BIS) device

Exclusion Criteria6

Inability to complete study required time and procedures as outlined in the study procedures section of the protocol
Must not have had previous serious illnesses that affect neurological functioning such as strokes, heart attacks, Parkinson disease, etc
Ongoing active psychiatric condition, depressive/bi-polar related disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use that may interfere with the study including panic disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disease
Active cancer
Cancer survivors who have received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other systemic treatment (e.g., hormonal therapy)
Women who are pregnant