Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Effects on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Breast Cancer...

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), characterized by loss of sensation and impaired physical function, is a prevalent and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, affecting 30%-50% of breast cancer survivors (BCS) with effects lasting years after treatment completion. Mindfulness-based interventions are shown to be efficacious in reducing symptoms in neuropathies. This subgroup analysis examined the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Breast Cancer (MBSR(BC)) compared to Breast Cancer Education Support (BCES) or Usual Care (UC) on CIPN among BCS who received chemotherapy or chemotherapy and radiation.

BCS (n = 114) were randomly assigned to the 6-week MBSR(BC) (n = 48), BCES (n = 52), or UC (n = 14) regimen. Demographic and clinical data were assessed at baseline, and CIPN was assessed using the Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy assessment tool (CIPNAT) at baseline, 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Between- and within-group differences were evaluated and change over time was compared between groups.

BCS (mean age = 52.7 years, range: 28-81 years) were primarily White and non-Hispanic (n = 78, 68%). The pattern of effect sizes was similar for CIPNAT symptoms and interference with improvements in CIPN for MBSR(BC) and BCES groups overtime. For both groups, the effects were larger compared to the UC. Differences tended to increase over time with significant effects observed between MBSR(BC) and UC, and between BCES and UC at weeks 12 and 26.

The findings indicate that MBSR(BC) and BCES may effectively reduce CIPN symptoms among BCS compared to UC. MBSR(BC) and BCES programs are effective non-pharmacological interventions for CIPN that may translate into practice.