Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for persistently fatigued cancer survivors

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) is the most prevalent, persistent, and disabling symptom reported by cancer survivors. Effective CRF treatments that are acceptable to patients are critically needed. The purpose of this trial was to assess the efficacy of MBSR compared to an active control for CRF. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION Fatigued breast (n = 60) and colorectal (n = 17) cancer survivors were randomized to 8‐week MBSR (meditation/yoga) or fatigue education/support groups. Primary outcome was Fatigue Symptom Inventory interference subscale (FSI‐I). Secondary outcomes included attentional function, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Symptoms were assessed at baseline (T1), postintervention (T2), and 6‐month follow‐up (T3). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS Both groups showed reductions in FSI‐I scores, with a trend favoring MBSR at T2 (d = ‐0.36, p = 0.14). Improvements for both groups were sustained through T3. The MBSR group reported significant improvements in attentional function compared to the education/support group at T2 (d = 0.81, p = 0.0008) and T3 (d = 0.59, p = 0.018). Other symptoms assessed showed nonsignificant trends favoring MBSR at T2. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT Both interventions were helpful in producing sustained reductions in fatigue interference; however, MBSR holds a clear advantage in improving attentional function.