Effects of complementary therapies on clinical outcomes in patients being treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the clinical effects of 2 complementary (CAM) therapies, relaxation response therapy (RRT) and Reiki therapy, in men being treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRx) for prostate cancer. METHODS. Study participants were randomly assigned to weekly RRT, Reiki therapy twice weekly, or wait-list control. Well-validated instruments measured anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and quality of life in cancer patients (FACT-G) at randomization and 3 subsequent time points. RESULTS. Fifty-four men were randomized, and 16 of 18 (89%) of RRT and 15 of 18 (83%) of Reiki patients completed the intervention protocol. No statistically significant difference was found between the RRT, Reiki, and control groups on total scores for the STAI, CES-D, or FACT-G instruments at any time point. However, at the end of the intervention, significant improvement was found on the emotional well-being subscale of the FACT-G quality of life scale in the RRT group compared with the Reiki and control groups (P ¼ .01). In participants who were classified as ''anxious'' at baseline, statistically significant improvement occurred in the RRT group (P ¼ .02), and a positive trend was found in the Reiki group (P ¼ .10). CONCLUSIONS. This pilot study documented the feasibility of conducting a RCT of CAM therapies in men undergoing EBRx for prostate cancer. Relaxation response therapy improved emotional well being and eased anxiety in participants. Reiki therapy also had a positive effect in anxious patients. A larger study to verify and better define the benefits of these therapies in men with prostate cancer is warranted. Cancer 2011;117:96-102.

Self-Efficacy for Coping with Cancer Enhances the Effect of Reiki Treatments During the Pre-Surgery Phase of Breast Cancer Patients

“…The differences showen between and within subjects suggest that Reiki intervention in breast cancer patients the day before the surgical procedure is an effective practice in improving the general patients' wellbeing. Not surprising our results are in line with past literature, that found similar results in cancer patients (34)(35)(36), also in the same phase of cancer care trajectory (surgical phase) (37,38).…”

Effects of Reiki, Yoga, or Meditation on the Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

“…[16][17][18][19] Reiki has also produced positive results in people receiving treatment for a variety of local and advanced cancers and has had a significant positive effect on relieving cancer-related fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and contributing to quality of life. [20][21][22] However, research using Reiki in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is scant and only one published descriptive article was located in preparation for this study. 23 Yoga Yoga practice includes muscle stretching and breathing exercises and helps promote stress control, flexibility, balance, sleep, and voluntary control of the autonomic nervous system.…”

Biofield Therapies for Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

“…35 In patients undergoing radiation treatments (n ¼ 54), those receiving Reiki therapy reported reductions in anxiety, depression scores, and improved sense of emotional well-being, compared to controls. 40 HT was found to help decrease depressed mood in patients undergoing chemoradiation (n ¼ 51) compared to treatment as usual (P < .05) 31 and improve relaxation during treatment (n ¼ 12). 34 …”