Efficacy of mind-body therapies to relieve cancer-related pain in adults

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Created On: 29/10/2021

Efficacy of mind-body therapies to relieve cancer-related pain in adults

At least one-third of individuals having cancer experience severe to moderate pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine if mind-body therapies can effectively alleviate cancer-related pain.

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Key take away

In adults (≥18 years), mind-body therapies (yoga, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, hypnosis, and guided imagery) may be effective to relieve cancer pain.

Background

Method

Databases such as Web of Science, Embase, Science Citation Index, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, trials registers, and reference lists were explored.

All quasi-randomized or randomized controlled trials were searched that incorporated adults suffering from cancer-linked pain who were treated with mind-body therapies. Pain intensity was the major endpoint. Estimation of standardized mean differences (95% confidence intervals [CI]) and risk of bias was done.

Result

Overall, 40 primary studies involving 3569 people were identified. The meta-analysis incorporated 24 studies (2404 people) and displayed a profound effect of -0.39 (95% CI -0.62 to -0.16) having substantial heterogeneity (I²= 86.3%).

Following the exclusion of 4 "outlier" studies in the sensitivity analyses, the effect size stayed significant but weaker. In all the studies, an elevated risk of bias was noted such as performance biasness attributed to lack of participant blinding. Individuals in multiple settings were incorporated, however, numerous studies were found to be of low quality.

Conclusion

Though mind-body therapies seem to effectively mitigate cancer pain, yet the quality of evidence is low. Additional high-quality and robust clinical trials are warranted.