A randomised controlled pilot feasibility study of the physical and psychological effects of an integrated support programme in breast cancer.
A pilot study was conducted to assess recruitment and effectiveness of an integrated support programme in women with breast cancer. Twelve participants were randomised to receive medical care with or without the support programme. Psychosocial questionnaires and immune/hormonal assays were completed at baseline, three and six months. Recruitment was problematic. In the intervention group, mental fatigue was significantly improved (p = 0.016) compared to controls; increased NK cell activity suggested an improvement in immune function. Total stress (p = 0.009), anxiety (p = 0.032) and endocrine-specific (p = 0.032) symptoms were significantly improved in the controls. A large-scale randomisation trial appears warranted, dependent upon effective recruitment.
The Haven, Effie Road, London SW6 1TB, UK. barbara.baker@thehaven.org.uk
Barbara S
BS
Baker
Julia E
JE
Harrington
Beak-San
BS
Choi
Pascale
P
Kropf
Ingrid
I
Muller
Caroline J
CJ
Hoffman
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000378:metabolism*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006728:Hormones