Mindfulness-based stress reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review

Smith, J.E., Richardson, J., Hoffman, C. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Mindfulness-based stress reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 52 (3), pp. 315-327. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03592.x

TitleMindfulness-based stress reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review
AuthorsSmith, J.E., Richardson, J., Hoffman, C. and Pilkington, K.
Abstract

Aim: This paper reports a systematic review and critical appraisal of the evidence on the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for cancer supportive

care.

Background: The experience of cancer can have a negative impact on both psychological and physical health and on quality of life. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is a therapy package that has been used with patients with a variety of conditions. In order to draw conclusions on its effectiveness for cancer patients, the evidence requires systematic assessment.

Methods: A comprehensive search of major biomedical and specialist complementary medicine databases was conducted. Additionally, efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research. Relevant research was categorized by study type and appraised according to study design. Clinical commentaries were obtained for each study and included in the review.

Results: Three randomized controlled clinical trials and seven uncontrolled clinical trials were found. A lack of relevant qualitative research studies was identified.

Studies report positive results, including improvements in mood, sleep quality and reductions in stress. A dose-response effect has been observed between practice of

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and improved outcome. A number of methodological limitations were identified. Modifications to the traditional Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programme make comparison between studies difficult and a lack of controlled studies precludes any firm conclusion on efficacy.

Conclusion: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction has potential as a clinically valuable self-administered intervention for cancer patients. Further research into its efficacy, feasibility and safety for cancer patients in the nursing context is recommended.

KeywordsCancer, mindfulness meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, nursing, systematic review
JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing
Journal citation52 (3), pp. 315-327
ISSN0309-2402
YearNov 2005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03592.x
Web address (URL)http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03592.x
Publication dates
PublishedNov 2005
File

Related outputs

Searching for real-world effectiveness versus efficacy of healthcare innovations: the case of social prescribing for diabetes
Polley, M.J., Loef, M. and Pilkington, K. 2017. Searching for real-world effectiveness versus efficacy of healthcare innovations: the case of social prescribing for diabetes. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 19 (2) e20. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6431

Working with people affected by cancer –mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2016. Working with people affected by cancer –mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. Society for Integrative Oncology 13th International Conference. Miami, Florida, USA 05 - 07 Nov 2016

Barriers to working with people affected by cancer: Preliminary qualitative data from a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2015. Barriers to working with people affected by cancer: Preliminary qualitative data from a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 7 (6), p. 681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.009

Working with people affected by cancer – Phase 1 of a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy
Granger, C.A., Pilkington, K., Draper, A. and Polley, M.J. 2014. Working with people affected by cancer – Phase 1 of a mixed methods exploration of practitioner perspectives in nutritional therapy. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 6 (5), pp. 613-614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2014.07.010

Artemisia absinthium
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2014. Artemisia absinthium. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

Quality of reporting in systematic reviews of adverse events: systematic review
Zorzela, L., Golder, S., Liu, Y., Pilkington, K., Hartling, L., Joffe, A., Loke, Y. and Vohra, S. 2014. Quality of reporting in systematic reviews of adverse events: systematic review. British Medical Journal. 348, p. f7668. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7668

Understanding the professional characteristics, needs and experience of nutritional therapy practitioners working with cancer patients
Granger, C.A., Polley, M.J., Pilkington, K. and Draper, A. 2013. Understanding the professional characteristics, needs and experience of nutritional therapy practitioners working with cancer patients. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 5 (6), p. 579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2013.08.018

Acupuncture therapy for psychiatric illness
Pilkington, K. 2013. Acupuncture therapy for psychiatric illness. International Review of Neurobiology. 111, pp. 197-216. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-411545-3.00010-9

Melatonin in cancer treatment (protocol)
Wolf, E., Milazzo, S., Pilkington, K., Liu, J.P., Zwahlen, M. and Horneber, M. 2013. Melatonin in cancer treatment (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 10, p. CD010145. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010145

Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low-back pain (protocol)
Wieland, L.S., Skoetz, N., Manheimer, E., Pilkington, K., Vempati, R. and Berman, B.M. 2013. Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low-back pain (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 7, p. CD010671. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010671

Complementary and alternative therapies
Pilkington, K. and Rampes, H. 2013. Complementary and alternative therapies. in: Norman, I.J. and Ryrie, I. (ed.) The art and science of mental health nursing. 3rd edition Open University Press. pp. 442-455

Yoga
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Yoga. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

Spirulina (blue-green algae)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Spirulina (blue-green algae). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2013. Pomegranate (Punica granatum). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

State of mind
Pilkington, K. 2013. State of mind. International Therapist. 105, pp. 14-16.

Chinese herbal medicine and depression: the research evidence
Butler, L. and Pilkington, K. 2013. Chinese herbal medicine and depression: the research evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013 739716. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/739716

Editorial: Building the evidence for CAM—30 years on
Robinson, N., Newman-Turner, R. and Pilkington, K. 2013. Editorial: Building the evidence for CAM—30 years on. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 5 (6), pp. 465-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2013.10.003

Lavender and sleep: a systematic review of the evidence
Fismer, K.L. and Pilkington, K. 2012. Lavender and sleep: a systematic review of the evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 4 (4), pp. e436-e447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2012.08.001

A detailed investigation into yoga interventions used in clinical trials
Azimian, N. and Pilkington, K. 2012. A detailed investigation into yoga interventions used in clinical trials. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 4 (3), pp. e355-e356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2012.06.010

Complementary medicine and safety: a systematic investigation of design and reporting of systematic reviews
Pilkington, K. and Boshnakova, A. 2012. Complementary medicine and safety: a systematic investigation of design and reporting of systematic reviews. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 20 (1-2), pp. 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2011.10.002

Ozone therapy
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Ozone therapy. CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). CAM-Cancer Database National Information Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIFAB).

Echinacea spp
Pilkington, K. and CAM-Cancer Consortium 2012. Echinacea spp. CAM-Cancer Database CAM-Cancer Consortium (Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer).

The International Collaboration on Complementary Therapy Resources (ICCR): working together to improve online CAM information
Pilkington, K., Gamst, A., Liu, I., Ostermann, T., Pinto, D. and Richardson, J. 2011. The International Collaboration on Complementary Therapy Resources (ICCR): working together to improve online CAM information. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 17 (7), pp. 647-653. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0138

A systematic review to assess the evidence of the positive and negative effects of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of depression
Butler, L. and Pilkington, K. 2011. A systematic review to assess the evidence of the positive and negative effects of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of depression. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 3 (2), pp. e111-e112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2011.04.011

Where and how to find data on safety: what do systematic reviews of complementary therapies tell us?
Pilkington, K. and Boshnakova, A. 2011. Where and how to find data on safety: what do systematic reviews of complementary therapies tell us? 19th Cochrane Colloquium. Madrid 19th - 22nd October 2011

Anxiety, depression and acupuncture: a review of the clinical research
Pilkington, K. 2010. Anxiety, depression and acupuncture: a review of the clinical research. Autonomic Neuroscience. 157 (1-2), pp. 91-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.04.002

Self care and CAM: defining the differences, recognising the similarities
Pilkington, K. 2009. Self care and CAM: defining the differences, recognising the similarities. Journal of Holistic Healthcare. 6 (2), pp. 29-34.

Expansion of systematic reviews to improve clinical practice and research
Fønnebø, V., Aickin, M., Verhoef, M., Horneber, M., Alræk, T. and Pilkington, K. 2009. Expansion of systematic reviews to improve clinical practice and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 15 (3), p. 3085.

Navigating the Web-based world of complementary and alternative medicine information: North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Pilkington, K. 2009. Navigating the Web-based world of complementary and alternative medicine information: North American Research Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Integrative Medicine: a clinician's journal. 8 (2), p. 53.

Complementary and alternative therapies
Pilkington, K. and Rampes, H. 2009. Complementary and alternative therapies. in: Norman, I.J. and Ryrie, I. (ed.) The art and science of mental health nursing. 2nd edition Open University Press.

Workshop - Navigating the web-based world of complementary and alternative information
Pilkington, K. 2009. Workshop - Navigating the web-based world of complementary and alternative information. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 15 (4), pp. 446-458. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.1503-A

Complementary therapies for depression: what is the evidence and how does it compare with the advice? Proceedings of the UKCPA Spring Meeting 2007
Pilkington, K. 2008. Complementary therapies for depression: what is the evidence and how does it compare with the advice? Proceedings of the UKCPA Spring Meeting 2007. Pharmacy World and Science. 30 (5), pp. 622-623. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-008-9199-2

Diabetes and complementary therapies: mapping the evidence
Pilkington, K., Stenhouse, E., Kirkwood, G. and Richardson, J. 2007. Diabetes and complementary therapies: mapping the evidence. Practical Diabetes International. 24 (7), pp. 371-376. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.1150

An overview of research on complementary therapies in life-limiting conditions
Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2007. An overview of research on complementary therapies in life-limiting conditions. Nursing Times. 103 (32), pp. 32-33.

How to summarise and report written qualitative data from patients: a method for use in cancer support care
Polley, M.J., Seers, H.E., Cooke, H.J., Hoffman, C. and Paterson, C. 2007. How to summarise and report written qualitative data from patients: a method for use in cancer support care. Supportive Care in Cancer. 15 (8), pp. 963-971. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0283-2

Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic literature review
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Cummings, M. and Richardson, J. 2007. Acupuncture for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic literature review. Acupuncture in Medicine. 25 (1-2), pp. 1-10.

Searching for CAM evidence: an evaluation of therapy-specific search strategies
Pilkington, K. 2007. Searching for CAM evidence: an evaluation of therapy-specific search strategies. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 13 (4), pp. 451-459. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.6308

Evaluating complementary therapies
Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2007. Evaluating complementary therapies. in: Barraclough, J. (ed.) Enhancing cancer care: complementary therapy and support Oxford Oxford University Press.

St John's wort for depression: time for a different perspective?
Pilkington, K., Boshnakova, A. and Richardson, J. 2006. St John's wort for depression: time for a different perspective? Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 14 (4), pp. 268-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2006.01.003

Complementary medicine for depression
Pilkington, K., Rampes, H. and Richardson, J. 2006. Complementary medicine for depression. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 6 (1), pp. 1741-1751. https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.6.11.1741

Homeopathy for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of the research
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Fisher, P. and Richardson, J. 2006. Homeopathy for anxiety and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of the research. Homeopathy. 95 (3), pp. 151-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2006.05.005

The benefit of individualised programmes of complementary therapies for breast cancer patients at Breast Cancer Haven
Polley, M.J., Hoffman, C., Brydon, N., Cox, C. and Deveraux, F. 2006. The benefit of individualised programmes of complementary therapies for breast cancer patients at Breast Cancer Haven. European Journal of Cancer Supplements. 4 (2), p. 89.

Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review of effectiveness and methodology related to hypnosis interventions
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McCall, G. and Pilkington, K. 2006. Hypnosis for procedure-related pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review of effectiveness and methodology related to hypnosis interventions. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 31 (1), pp. 70-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2005.06.010

Yoga for depression: the research evidence
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H. and Richardson, J. 2005. Yoga for depression: the research evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders. 89 (1-3), pp. 13-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2005.08.013

Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence
Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Tuffrey, V., Richardson, J. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 39 (12), pp. 884-891. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.018069

Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review
Richardson, J., Smith, J.E., McIntyre, M., Thomas, R. and Pilkington, K. 2005. Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review. Clinical Oncology. 17 (6), pp. 478-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2005.04.013

Homeopathy for depression: a systematic review of the research evidence
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., Fisher, P. and Richardson, J. 2005. Homeopathy for depression: a systematic review of the research evidence. Homeopathy. 94 (3), pp. 153-163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.homp.2005.04.003

Complementary and alternative medicine evidence online for cancer
Richardson, J., Pilkington, K. and Thomas, R. 2005. Complementary and alternative medicine evidence online for cancer. British Journal of Cancer Management. 2 (2), pp. 9-11.

The long and winding road: tracking down the evidence on CAM in cancer
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2005. The long and winding road: tracking down the evidence on CAM in cancer. NCRI Cancer Conference. Birmingham, UK 02-05 Oct 2005

"No language restrictions" in database searches: what does this really mean?
Pilkington, K., Boshnakova, A., Clarke, M. and Richardson, J. 2005. "No language restrictions" in database searches: what does this really mean? Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 11 (1), pp. 205-207.

What patients expect from complementary therapy: a qualitative study
Richardson, J. 2004. What patients expect from complementary therapy: a qualitative study. American Journal of Public Health. 94 (6), pp. 1049-1053.

Exploring the evidence: the challenges of searching for research on acupuncture
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2004. Exploring the evidence: the challenges of searching for research on acupuncture. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 10 (3), pp. 587-590.

Research issues in complementary therapy
Richardson, J. 2004. Research issues in complementary therapy. Clinical Research Focus: the Journal of the Institute of Clinical Research. 15 (3), pp. 7-12.

An investigation into the health-related correlates of the control pause measure associated with the Buteyko breathing technique
Upton, J., Beales, D., Jodie, D.A. and Richardson, J. 2004. An investigation into the health-related correlates of the control pause measure associated with the Buteyko breathing technique. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 9 (1), p. 55.

Developing complementary therapy services: a systematic approach
Richardson, J. 2004. Developing complementary therapy services: a systematic approach. Health Psychology Update. 13 (3), pp. 23-33.

Developing CAMEO (CAM Evidence Online) for cancer
Pilkington, K., Smith, J.E. and Richardson, J. 2004. Developing CAMEO (CAM Evidence Online) for cancer. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 9 (1), p. 39.

Implementing clinical supervision for complementary therapy clinical tutors: an evaluation
Tate, S., Richardson, J., Leonard, O. and Paterson, J. 2003. Implementing clinical supervision for complementary therapy clinical tutors: an evaluation. London, UK LTSN.

Developing clinical supervision for complementary therapy educators
Richardson, J., Tate, S., Leonard, O. and Paterson, J. 2003. Developing clinical supervision for complementary therapy educators. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 9 (5), pp. 783-787. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555303322524652

Outcome assessment and moving goal posts: commentary on evaluation of the Tzu Chi Institute for complementary and alternative medicine's integrative care program
Richardson, J. 2003. Outcome assessment and moving goal posts: commentary on evaluation of the Tzu Chi Institute for complementary and alternative medicine's integrative care program. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 9 (4), pp. 593-595.

Homeopathic arnica
Richardson, J. 2003. Homeopathic arnica. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 96 (4), p. 204.

Developing the reflective practitioner in complementary therapy
Richardson, J. 2003. Developing the reflective practitioner in complementary therapy. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 9 (5), pp. 771-772. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555303322524625

Complementary and alternative medicine: socially constructed or evidence-based?
Richardson, J. 2003. Complementary and alternative medicine: socially constructed or evidence-based? Healthcare Papers. 3 (5), pp. 30-36.

Evidence-based complementary (and alternative) medicine on the internet
Pilkington, K. and Richardson, J. 2003. Evidence-based complementary (and alternative) medicine on the internet. Health Information on the Internet. 34, pp. 7-9.

Evidence-based complementary medicine: rigor, relevance, and the swampy lowlands
Richardson, J. 2002. Evidence-based complementary medicine: rigor, relevance, and the swampy lowlands. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 8 (3), pp. 221-223.

Editorial: The importance of information resources in complementary therapies
Richardson, J. 2002. Editorial: The importance of information resources in complementary therapies. Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery. 8 (3), pp. 125-129. https://doi.org/10.1054/ctnm.2002.0631

Integrating complementary therapies into health care education: a cautious approach
Richardson, J. 2001. Integrating complementary therapies into health care education: a cautious approach. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 10 (6), pp. 793-798. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2702.2001.00554.x

Post-operative epidural analgesia: introducing evidence-based guidelines through an education and assessment process
Richardson, J. 2001. Post-operative epidural analgesia: introducing evidence-based guidelines through an education and assessment process. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 10 (2), pp. 238-245. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2702.2001.00480.x

Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use?
Richardson, J., Jones, C. and Pilkington, K. 2001. Complementary therapies: what is the evidence for their use? Professional Nurse. 17 (2), pp. 96-99.

Intersubjectivity and the therapeutic relationship
Richardson, J. 2001. Intersubjectivity and the therapeutic relationship. in: Peters, D. (ed.) Understanding the placebo effect in complementary medicine: theory, practice and research Edinburgh, UK Churchill Livingstone. pp. 131-146

Developing and evaluating complementary therapy services: part 2. Examining the effects of treatment on health status
Richardson, J. 2001. Developing and evaluating complementary therapy services: part 2. Examining the effects of treatment on health status. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 7 (4), pp. 315-328.

Developing and evaluating complementary therapy services: part 1. Establishing service provision through the use of evidence and consensus development
Richardson, J. 2001. Developing and evaluating complementary therapy services: part 1. Establishing service provision through the use of evidence and consensus development. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. 7 (3), pp. 253-260.

Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/928q3/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-as-supportive-therapy-in-cancer-care-systematic-review


Share this

Usage statistics

264 total views
2192 total downloads
These values cover views and downloads from WestminsterResearch and are for the period from September 2nd 2018, when this repository was created.