The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on chemotherapy-related physical and psychological distress in colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.

An 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, including mindful breathing, body scan, and meditation, significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, depression, and anxiety in patients with colorectal cancer. In a retrospective cohort of 301 patients, those who completed MBSR had higher FLIE nausea and vomiting scores and lower PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores over four chemotherapy cycles compared to those receiving routine care only. The MBSR group showed declining symptom scores from baseline through treatment, indicating that MBSR effectively alleviates both physical and psychological distress and improves quality of life.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, together with depression and anxiety, are common and distressing complications in patients with colorectal cancer that seriously impair quality of life and treatment adherence. This study explored the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in relieving chemotherapy-related physical and psychological distress. This retrospective cohort study included 301 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The control group received routine nursing care, whereas the MBSR group completed an 8-week intervention including mindful breathing, body scan, and meditation. FLIE, PHQ 9 and GAD 7 were used to assess symptoms over four chemotherapy cycles. Compared to the control group, the MBSR group had significantly higher FLIE nausea and vomiting scores (all p < 0.001), indicating that MBSR could effectively mitigate the severity of CINV. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were significantly lower in the MBSR group (all p < 0.001). The MBSR group exhibited a clear ameliorative trend with both baseline and post-intervention scores declining throughout the treatment course, confirming its efficacy in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms. MBSR effectively relieves chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, depression, and anxiety, and is worthy of clinical application to improve the physical and psychological status and quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer.