Improving Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients With an Online Course in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction-A...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cancer patients frequently experience neurocognitive impairments impacting daily life and quality of life.
• These impairments stem from cancer treatments, the disease itself, and psychological coping mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course.
• To assess the impact of online MBSR on neurocognitive functioning and overall well-being in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• 170 cancer patients with cognitive impairments were randomized into an online MBSR group or a waitlist control group.
• Assessments included subjective neurocognitive function (FACT-Cog), quality of life (FACT-G), fatigue (BFI), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), attention (Go-No-Go), and memory (VLMT).
• Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and 3-month follow-up, analyzed using mixed models.

Main Results:

• The online MBSR group showed significant improvements in subjective neurocognitive functioning (FACT-Cog) compared to controls.
• Improvements were also observed in quality of life (FACT-G), reduced fatigue (BFI), and fewer depressive symptoms (PHQ-9).
• Objective memory performance (VLMT) improved, with effects maintained at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• An online MBSR course is an effective intervention for improving cancer-related cognitive impairment.
• The intervention positively impacts the overall well-being of cancer patients, including mood and fatigue.
• Online MBSR offers a viable approach to managing cognitive deficits and enhancing quality of life in cancer survivors.