NCT06500377 · City of Hope Medical Center
Comparing the Impact of Four Types of Meditation Practices for Relaxation in Cancer Survivors
What this study is about
This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial compares the impact of four types of meditation practices, breathing only, focused attention only, mindfulness only, and breathing, focused attention and mindfulness combined, for relaxation in cancer survivors. Studies show that many patients with cancer experience stress and anxiety. Meditation therapy uses a variety of techniques, such as breathing, sound, or movement, that may help to decrease distress and anxiety and enhance the health and quality of life of patients with cancer. The trial is being done to find out how meditation can help cancer survivors feel relaxed and attain a peaceful state of mind.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo saliva sample collection
PROCEDURE
Meditation Therapy
Learn breathing only meditation
PROCEDURE
Meditation Therapy
Learn focused attention only meditation
PROCEDURE
Meditation Therapy
Learn mindfulness only meditation
PROCEDURE
Meditation Therapy
Learn breathing, focused attention, and mindfulness combined meditation
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Retention rate
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks
Feasibility will be achieved if 70% of all enrolled participants attend at least 5 full visits within 6 weeks. Descriptive statistics will be generated.
Adherence rate
Time frame: Up to 6 weeks
Feasibility will be achieved if 70% of all enrolled participants complete all assessments of the program within 6 weeks. Descriptive statistics will be generated.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Documented written informed consent of the participant
- Age: ≥ 18 years
- Ability to understand and fluently speak English or Spanish
- No previous training in mind-body relaxation techniques including meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, guided imagery, mindfulness-based stress reduction, hypnosis, or cognitive behavior therapy, that exceeds 3 hours. Additionally, no regular practice of mind-body relaxation techniques, or formal experience with mind-body relaxation techniques within the past 12 months
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS) anxiety score of \> 3 from a range from 0 to 10. A "0" means the lowest anxiety score and a "10" means the highest anxiety score
- Long-term cancer survivors who received surgery to treat their cancer ( \> 6 months since last treatment) with no history of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other systemic therapy (e.g., hormonal therapy) and/or have completely recovered from surgery OR patients identified as having pre-cancerous lesions that have been surgically treated (e.g., colon polyp that has been removed)
- Willingness to:
- Provide salivary alpha-amylase sample
- Complete stress tests and study questionnaires
- Be monitored with a Bispectral Index (BIS) device
Exclusion criteria
- Inability to complete study required time and procedures as outlined in the study procedures section of the protocol
- Must not have had previous serious illnesses that affect neurological functioning such as strokes, heart attacks, Parkinson disease, etc
- Ongoing active psychiatric condition, depressive/bi-polar related disorders, anxiety, psychosis disorders, or substance use that may interfere with the study including panic disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disease
- Active cancer
- Cancer survivors who have received chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other systemic treatment (e.g., hormonal therapy)
- Women who are pregnant
Where
- Duarte, California
- Irvine, California
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations