An Internet Mantram Repetition Program to Promote Well-being in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction

The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 6-week internet-delivered Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) for women recently treated for breast cancer. A secondary objective explored changes in perceived stress, psycho-spiritual measures, and cytokines in the treatment group compared to a waitlist.

Methods

A feasibility study (ORBIT model Phase IIa) with a randomized controlled trial pilot was conducted. Eligible women recently treated for breast cancer were randomized to the treatment group (n = 14) or a waitlist group (n = 12) and participated for 12 weeks. During weeks 1-6, the treatment group received the MRP intervention while the waitlisted group was inactive. During weeks 7-12, the treatment group was inactive while the waitlisted group received the MRP intervention. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the internet-delivered MRP intervention protocol. Participants completed pre and post-intervention psycho-spiritual health assessments. A subset of participants provided serum for cytokine analyses at enrollment and week 6, coinciding with the period in which the treatment group receiving the MRP intervention.

Results

Overall study attrition was 19.2%. MRP adherence for both groups was 86% at post-intervention and 90% in the treatment group at 6-week follow-up. Pre-to-post-intervention analyses pooling both groups' data demonstrated decreased perceived stress (p = .045) and increased spiritual well-being (p =.004). IFN-γ and IL-17A were increased in the waitlisted group and decreased in the treatment group (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Feasibility of a 6-week, internet-delivered MRP intervention for breast cancer survivors was established. Psycho-spiritual variables and serum cytokines are suitable clinical outcome measures for future MRP studies with breast cancer survivors. Data suggest MRP may reduce perceived stress and support spiritual well-being in women with breast cancer; however, additional studies are needed.