PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Although mind-body interventions effectively improve psychological and physical symptoms among cancer
patients, few studies have included Black cancer patients. In particular, none exists that targets Black cancer
patients dealing with advanced cancer, who are vulnerable to unmanaged symptoms and report greater
symptom severity and burden than their non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts. Prior to evaluating definitive
efficacy in this population fundamental aspects regarding the feasibility and acceptability of a mind-body
intervention, particularly in the area of intervention format, must be examined. For instance, while mind-body
interventions are typically delivered in group-based settings, the palliative care literature has increasingly
identified the need to include family caregivers in supportive care interventions as they play a central role in
patients’ healthcare. This family-based approach may allow for patient-caregiver discussions pertaining to joint
coping with the cancer diagnosis and also addressing caregivers’ psychological distress, which often reach
clinical levels. However, such a family-based intervention may inadvertently decrease access to care, if many
Black patients do not have family members who are consistent care providers or able/willing to participate jointly
in the intervention. It is currently unknown whether a family-based mind-body practice is feasible and acceptable
in Black patients with advanced cancer. To address these critical knowledge gaps, the objective of the proposed
research is to determine the feasibility of implementing a culturally adapted mind-body intervention (Meditation-
Based Support-Adapted; MBS-A) as a supportive care strategy in Black patients diagnosed with advanced
cancer. The original MBS intervention includes four 60-minute sessions delivered over 4 weeks that integrates
guided meditations (e.g., mindfulness, compassion, gratitude) with emotional processing techniques, which have
previously been tested in predominantly NHW patient-caregiver dyads as well as in a patient group setting. To
determine the intervention format for the MBS-A program (family- vs group-based) and solicit input on the original
MBS intervention regarding content that needs adaptation, we will first conduct formative research that includes
quantitative surveys and in-depth interviews of patients and their primary caregivers. Once the intervention
format is determined and content adapted, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the
feasibility of the MBS-A intervention vs. a dose-matched attention control arm receiving a psychoeducation
intervention. Participants will be assessed at baseline (prior to randomization) and 6 and 12 weeks later. Primary
outcomes include indicators of feasibility regarding the overall RCT design and intervention-specific procedures.
Results of this study will inform future research in which effects and mechanisms of the intervention will be tested
using fully powered samples of Black advanced cancer patients to ultimately improve health in this underserved
patient population.
