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Mindfulness-based interventions MBIs have been used in oncology contexts as a promising tool with numerous benefits for various health-related and psychosocial outcomes. Despite the increasing popularity of MBIs, few randomized controlled trials RCTs have examined their effects upon biological parameters. Specifically, no previous study has examined the effects of MBIs on extracellular vesicles EVs , which are potentially important markers of health, disease, and stress.
The current study protocol presents a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled study investigating the effects of internet-supported mindfulness-based cognitive therapy MBCT compared with treatment as usual TAU. Primary outcomes are psychological distress and EV cargo of distressed participants with previous breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnoses.
Secondary outcomes are self-reported psychosocial and health-related measures, and additional biological markers. Half of the participants will be randomized to the TAU group, and the other half will participate in an 8-week online MBCT intervention with weekly group sessions via videoconference. The intervention also includes asynchronous homework, an online retreat after the fifth week, and 4 monthly booster sessions after completion of the 8-week programme.
This study will allow characterizing the effects of internet-based MBCT on psychosocial and biological indicators in the context of cancer.
