A mixed methods feasibility study of mindfulness meditation for fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer

IntroductionCancer related fatigue (CRF) is common among most cancer patients, it can profoundly reduce quality of life and it is associated with anxiety and depression. Evidence suggests mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction/Cognitive Therapy (MBSR/CT)) can help fatigue, anxiety and depression. However, many studies are methodologically limited, none have specifically explored feasibility or acceptability of MBSR in women with advanced breast cancer and the underlying mechanisms of action and active ingredients are poorly understood.AimDetermine: (A) Whether the MBSR programme requires adapting in this group. (B) The appropriateness of our outcome measures with respect to fatigue anxiety and depression, quality of life, mindfulness and its health economic impact. (C) Recruitment, adherence and follow up rates and the sample size required for a Phase III RCT. (D) Participant views on quality of life issues, CRF, anxiety and depression. (E) Participant views on mindfulness meditation and the active ingredients/mechanisms of action.MethodThis feasibility trial will evaluate the standard 8-week MBSR programme in three groups of 10 women with metastatic breast cancer. A novel mixed method approach (quantitative outcomes and qualitative interviews and focus groups) will provide a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and acceptability issues associated with MBSR in the target population.DiscussionRigorously evaluating MBSR in this group to support self-management of their frequently disabling fatigue and distress will provide novel insights into the needs of these patients, the likely acceptability and feasibility of a larger MBSR study and will directly contribute to the survivorship agenda.