Biofeedback Assisted Stress Management in Patients with Lung Cancer: A Feasibility Study

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women in the United States. NSCLC causes a variety of symptoms which result in significant distress and reduced quality of life for patients. Behavioral and other non-pharmacologic treatment interventions for NSCLC have resulted in improved quality of life, reduced emotional distress, and improved longevity. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of biofeedback assisted stress management (BFSM) to reduce stress in patients with NSCLC. Because of patient dropout, this study was terminated prematurely. Despite this, evaluation of data revealed positive trends, with patients learning to reduce their stress, improve their respiration and heart rate variability, and improve coping. These trends suggest that patients with NSCLC can learn to self-regulate physiology and BFSM may be useful for them, although a less ill patient population may be desirable for future investigations.