title: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction as supportive therapy in cancer care: systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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 Additionally, efforts were made to identify unpublished and ongoing research.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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Research Council for Complementary Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Joanna E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pilkington
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D006801:Humans; D019122:Meditation; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012890:Sleep; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015013:Yoga