Symptom Reduction in Advanced Cancer from Multi-session Mindful Breathing: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Mindfulness-based interventions have shown promising effects among patients with advanced cancer and other health conditions. While evidence of symptom reduction in palliative care from a single session of mindful breathing is available, data on symptom reduction from multi-session mindful breathing remains unavailable. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of multi-session mindful breathing in symptom reduction among patients with advanced cancer. Methods: Adult patients with advanced cancer who scored ≥4 in at least two or more symptoms based on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) were recruited from January to March 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either four daily sessions of 30-minute mindful breathing and standard care (intervention) or standard care alone (control). Results: There were statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores following all four sessions in the intervention group (n 1 = 40: z 1 = -5.09, p < 0.001; z 2 = -3.77, p < 0.001; z 3 = -4.38, p < 0.001; z 4 = -3.27, p < 0.05). For the control group, statistically significant reductions in the total ESAS scores were seen only after sessions 1 and 3 (n 2 = 40: z 1 = -4.04, p < 0.001; z 3 = -4.53. p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our result provides evidence that four daily sessions of 30-minute mindful breathing may be effective in reducing multiple symptoms rapidly in advanced cancer patients. Trial registration: NCT 05910541, date of registration 9 th June 2023. (Retrospectively registered)