CompletedNot Applicable

RCT of Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in Head and Neck Cancer

Malaysia110 participantsStarted 2022-01-01

Plain-language summary

Head and neck cancer is a group of biologically similar cancers which cause deleterious impact, such as the complication of facial disfigurement which may increase the psychological vulnerability of patients due to the society's emphasis on physical attractiveness. The appearance of facial disfigurement can increase depression and reduced quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer patients. Among the positive psychology developed in cancer patients despite their negative experience of cancer and the adverse effects of its treatment are posttraumatic growth (PTG) and hope which may enhance the QoL of cancer patients. Several psychosocial interventions have been suggested to enhance positive psychology in cancer patients and increase in their QoL. Data is lacking on the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on enhancing positive psychology (such as PTG, optimism and hope) and QoL among head and neck cancer patients. This is a multicentre, 2-armed longitudinal double blind randomized control trial aimed to test the study hypotheses of: 1. Head and neck cancer patients in the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group reported significantly increase in posttraumatic growth (PTG), hope, optimism, and quality of life compared with those in the control group at post-intervention and 12 weeks after completion of intervention when compared with pre-intervention. 2. PTG, hope and optimism exerts partial mediation effects on the relationship between MBSR and quality of life among head and neck cancer patients.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria: * Those who are newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer confirmed by histopathological examination report at any stage of cancer and who already completed surgical treatment and currently undergoing adjuvant treatment (such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy/brachytherapy or immunotherapy) . Those who are literate in the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) * Age 18 years and above. Exclusion criteria: * Those with history of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, bipolar mood disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and neurodevelopmental disorders (patients are screened with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to exclude these disorders). * Those with history of illicit drug intake and those with substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, substance-related disorders and alcohol-related disorders (patients are screened with urine dipstick for drugs and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview to exclude these conditions). * Those with history of medical illnesses which can induced psychiatric symptoms such as stroke, coronary heart disease, congestive cardiac failure, COPD, bronchial asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, renal failure, hepatic failure, endocrine disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and epilepsy. * Those…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in quality of life of head and neck cancer patients at 6 weeks immediately after completion of intervention and 12 weeks after completion of intervention

Timeframe: pre-intervention, 6 weeks- immediately after completion of intervention, and 12 weeks after completion of intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04800419

SponsorUniversiti Sains Malaysia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-06-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cancer of Head and Neck trials