The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on symptom burden, positive psychological outcomes, and biomarkers in cancer patients

This descriptive review, led by Can-Change member Dr. Codie Rouleau, highlights three categories of outcomes that have been evaluated in mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) research with cancer patients. It also examines the clinical relevance of each targeted outcome. Accumulating evidence suggests that participation in a MBI contributes to reductions in psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and fatigue, and promotes personal growth in areas such as quality of life and spirituality. MBIs may also influence markers of immune function, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation, and autonomic nervous system activity, though it remains unclear whether these biological changes translate to clinically important health benefits.