CancerMATCHNCT02801123
The MATCH Study: Mindfulness And Tai Chi for Cancer Health
A study testing Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients in people with Cancer, run by Linda E. Carlson at 2 sites in Canada.
Trial summary
Background: As more people survive cancer, the importance of research on effective interventions for improving quality of life (QOL) amongst survivors is growing. Two interventions with a substantial evidence-base are Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai chi/Qigong (TCQ). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cancer
- What is being tested?
- Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 600 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesCanada
- Study dates
- 29 Aug 2016to 31 Dec 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Men and women over the age of 18
- Diagnosed with any type of cancer (stage I-III) excluding head, neck, or brain
- Completed active treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) at least 4 months previously (ongoing hormonal therapies, AIs, tamoxifen, herceptin are not exclusionary)
- Experiencing significant distress (4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer)
- Able to attend MBCR or TCQ classes at scheduled times
- Sufficient functional capacity to participate in intervention groups (as judged by PAR-Q questionnaire, study staff, participant and participant's physician)
- Ability to speak and write English sufficiently to complete questionnaires and participate in groups.
Who cannot join
- Metastatic patients and those with ongoing chemotherapy (because ongoing therapy may impair biomarker profiles, and metastatic patients may not be stable enough to participate in the interventions and follow-up assessments).
- Cognitive impairment that would interfere with completing questionnaires or the intervention.
- Suffering from current Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or other psychiatric disorder that would interfere with the ability to participate.
- Currently engages in meditation or tai chi one or more times per week
- Previous participation in MBCR program.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
Canada2 sites
Psychosocial Oncology, Cancer Control Alberta
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 3C1
ELLICSR Centre, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto, Ontario
About this study
Official title: The MATCH Study: Mindfulness And Tai Chi for Cancer Health A Preference-Based Multi-Site Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial (CET) of Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) vs. Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) in Cancer Survivors
Background: As more people survive cancer, the importance of research on effective interventions for improving quality of life (QOL) amongst survivors is growing. Two interventions with a substantial evidence-base are Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai chi/Qigong (TCQ). However, these interventions have never been directly compared.
Objectives: (1) To compare MBCR and TCQ to each other and a waitlist control condition using an innovative, randomized, preference-based comparative effectiveness trial (CET) design that takes into account potential moderating factors that might predict differential response. (2) To investigate the impacts of MBCR and TCQ on a range of biological outcomes including immune processes, blood pressure, heart rate variability, stress hormones, cellular aging, and gene expression.
Read more
Methods: The study design is a preference-based multi-site randomized CET incorporating two Canadian sites (Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON). Participants (N total = 600). Participants with a preference for either MBCR or TCQ will get their preferred intervention; while those without a preference will be randomized into either of the two interventions. Within the preference and non-preference groups, participants will also be randomized into immediate intervention groups or a wait-list control. Outcome measures to be assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow up include psychological outcomes (mood, stress, mindfulness, spirituality, post-traumatic growth), QOL, symptoms (fatigue, sleep), physical function (strength, endurance), and exploratory analyses of biomarkers (cortisol slopes, cytokines, blood pressure/heart rate variability, telomere length, gene expression), and health economic measures.
Hypotheses: The investigators theorize that both MBCR and TCQ will improve outcomes amongst survivors relative to treatment as usual, particularly if patients have a strong preference for a particular intervention. Specifically, the investigators hypothesize that MBCR may be superior to TCQ on measures related to stress and mood. Conversely, TCQ may be superior to MBCR in improvement of physical and functional measures.
Read the detailed description
Background While there is ample research documenting the problems people diagnosed with cancer face, including high levels of distress, anxiety, depression and symptoms such as fatigue, pain and sleep disturbance, there is also a limited but growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of a range of mind-body therapies (MBTs) in alleviating these and other symptoms. The investigators have chosen to focus on comparing MBCR and TCQ because both have level 1 evidence in cancer care, and both have shown potential to affect important biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Both interventions are similarly rooted in meditative practice, but MBCR has greater emphasis on mental practice, while TCQ is more emphatically a body movement-based practice. The investigators also anticipate that many patients will have a preference for one or the other. Evidence for the efficacy of each will be briefly reviewed followed by details of study design and methods.
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Through an ongoing program of research the investigators adapted a group intervention based on intensive training in mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; MBSR) specifically for people with cancer, and called it Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), acknowledging the roots of the program but also that its form and content is somewhat different, and focused primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours, shortened from traditional MBSR based on practical logistical concerns and the needs of the study population. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Since 1998, the investigators have tested its efficacy in a wide range of studies and groups of people with cancer, beginning with psychological outcomes including stress symptoms, mood disturbance including anxiety, anger and depression, then expanding in scope and scale to assess effects on sleep disturbance and fatigue. The investigators also examined positive outcomes including post-traumatic growth, spirituality and benefit finding. To assess potential biological mechanisms of change, the investigators examined the effects of the program on biomarkers including blood pressure, inflammatory cytokines, stress hormones and most recently telomere length using increasingly sophisticated study designs, showing benefit across all of these measures. The investigators work on MBCR for cancer patients and survivors has spanned the spectrum of research from basic mechanistic research to clinical trials and implementation science. Others, as well, have studied MBSR with cancer patients, and several reviews and meta-analyses summarize its benefits across outcomes of anxiety, stress, mood disturbance and quality of life.
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) Work has also been done evaluating the efficacy of tai-chi and qigong in cancer care, and reviews are now available for both. Tai chi is a shortened name for Tai Chi Ch'uan, a form of martial art from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. In cancer care, a review of seven controlled trials in breast cancer patients concluded that while tai chi helped to improve psychological and physical health measures compared to usual care, compared to other active interventions it may not be superior. Overall in elderly samples, a larger body of research supports its efficacy for improving balance and preventing falls and improving overall psychological well-being, but larger studies with better designs are needed.
Similarly, a growing body of research suggests efficacy of qigong, a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi) or "intrinsic life energy". Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. A review of the literature including Chinese and Korean databases found 23 studies in cancer care. The most consistent benefits were seen on immune system function (reduced inflammation), improved mood, quality of life, and fatigue. As is the case with tai chi studies, randomized controlled trials with larger samples sizes are necessary to generalize findings. The study protocol incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles. For that reason the investigators call it Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ).
- Conditions
- Cancer
- Being tested
- Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients
- Keywords
- Complimentary Cancer Therapies, Psychosocial Oncology, Behavioural Medicine, Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery, Tai Chi, Qigong, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Yoga, Preference-based trial
- Medical subject headings
- Neoplasms
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Behavioural
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsBehavioural
TCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Preference: MBCR (im) | Experimental | Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to immediate treatment Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) |
| Preference: TCQ (im) | Experimental | Individuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to immediate treatment Receives: Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients |
| Preference: MBCR (wl) | Active comparator | Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to waitlist Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) |
| Preference: TCQ (wl) | Active comparator | Individuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to waitlist Receives: Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients |
| No Preference: MBCR (im) | Experimental | Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - immediate Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) |
| No Preference: TCQ (im) | Experimental | Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - immediate Receives: Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients |
| No Preference: MBCR (wl) | Active comparator | Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - waitlist Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) |
| No Preference: TCQ (wl) | Active comparator | Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - waitlist Receives: Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Profile of Mood States - Total Mood Disturbance (POMS-TMD)
The POMS-TMD is the overall score of mental disturbance. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Secondary outcomes (19)
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Several components of sleep quality are assessed including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction. Higher scores on the PSQI indicate worse sleep quality. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Brief Pain Inventory
The BPI allows participants to rate their pain along dimensions of pain severity and how much their pain interferes with daily experiences and functioning. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Fatigue (FACT-F)
The FACT-f allows participants to report how fatigue impacts function along the dimensions of physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional-wellbeing, functional well-being, and fatigue. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
POMS - Subscale scores (6)
The Profile of Mood States (POMS): Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Vigor, Fatigue and Confusion, which will be summed to generate a Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score (primary outcome). The POMS has been widely used in clinical populations, including cancer patients. We will examine each of the subscales as well to determine the relative magnitude of changes. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C-SOSI-32)
Measures physical, psychological and behavioural responses to stressful situations. There are eight subscales entitled Depression, Anger, Muscle Tension, Sympathetic Arousal, Cardiopulmonary Arousal, Cognitive Disorganization, Neurological/GI and Upper Respiratory. A Total Stress Symptom score will be calculated by summing all the items. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G)
A general cancer quality of life measure including subscales for Physical Well-Being, Social Well-Being, Emotional Well-Being, Functional Well-Being and a Breast Cancer Symptom subscale, as well as the Total QL score will be used to assess overall quality of life. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-sp)
A 12-item questionnaire designed for people with cancer or other chronic illnesses. Subscales include Meaning, Peace and Faith, but can be summed to a Total Score. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Revised (PTGI-R)
Measures an individual's perception of positive changes following a traumatic life experience. Subscales include Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change and Appreciation of Life, which are summed to form the Total Score. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Average Diurnal Cortisol Slope
Measure of adrenal function and stress hormones. At each assessment, saliva will be collected 4 times across the day (waking, 12:00, 17:00 and bedtime) over 3 days so that circadian fluctuations in salivary cortisol can be assessed through the calculation of an average diurnal slope of the line. Abnormal slopes are associated with disease stages and cancer progression. Abnormal slopes associated with disease stages and cancer progression. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess changes in slopes over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Telomere length (TL) & Telomerase
TL is a marker of cell aging associated with cancer risk and disease progression. TL will be measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in triplicate. A T/S ratio is calculated that compares the TL in cells to a pooled reference sample. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Heart Rate (HR)/Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
HRV is a measure of the degree of variability between heart beats which reflects parasympathetic influence on the cardiac pacemaker by way of the tenth cranial nerve. Both low HRV and higher heart rate are predictors of shorter survival in metastatic breast cancer and are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Blood Pressure
Elevated BP is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease; many forms of chemotherapy and RT to the chest wall can damage the heart muscle and make cancer patients more vulnerable to heart disease after cancer treatment. Therefore it's important to monitor cardiovascular risk factors. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Timed Up and Go Test
Subjects are given verbal instruction to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. The average time (sec) of 3 trials will be recorded. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Maximal Walking Speed
Participants walk in a straight line as fast as possible, without running, on a premeasured 11 meter course. The time taken to walk 5 meters, from the 3 meter to 8 meter mark is used to calculate maximal walking speed (meters/second). Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Maximum Grip Strength
The dominant hand will be measured using a hand-grip dynamometer. Measurements are recorded to the nearest 0.5 kg, repeated three times and averaged. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Single Leg Standing
Three 30 sec trials are completed for eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and the greatest duration (sec) for each condition is used for analysis. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Cytokine Production
Luminex multiplex assays, basic 48 cytokines (includes inflammatory and regulatory cytokines and chemokines) A range of different cytokines including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, which have a variety of important inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions in cancer will be examined. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)
Assesses the impacts of these interventions on health care costs and utilization.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
EQ-5D-5L
Evaluates the impact of the intervention on health and other medical interventions across time.
Measured: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Jun 2016 (estimated)
- Study start29 Aug 2016
- Primary completion31 Dec 2020
- Study completion31 Dec 2023 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for CancerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 600 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Linda E. Carlson
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Calgary, Alberta Health services, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Linda E. Carlson, University of Calgary
- Investigators
- Linda E Carlson, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Calgary, Cancer Control Alberta, Alberta Health Services
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02801123
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HREBA-CC-16-0246
- Acronym
- MATCH
- Status last verified
- Mar 2023
- First submitted
- 31 May 2016
- Last updated
- 23 Mar 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Carlson LE, Jones JM, Oberoi D, Piedalue KA, Wayne PM, Santa Mina D, Lawal OA, Speca M. Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study: Primary Outcomes of a Preference-Based Multisite Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Jul 20;43(21):2372-2386. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-02540. Epub 2025 Jun 12.
PubMed 40505072
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Mar 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The MATCH Study: Mindfulness And Tai Chi for Cancer Health A Preference-Based Multi-Site Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial (CET) of Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) vs. Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) in Cancer Survivors
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02801123
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MATCH / HREBA-CC-16-0246
- Conditions
- Cancer
- Keywords
- Complimentary Cancer Therapies, Psychosocial Oncology, Behavioural Medicine, Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery, Tai Chi, Qigong, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Yoga
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 600 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Linda E. CarlsonUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Calgary, Alberta Health services, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada
- Study start
- 29 Aug 2016 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2020 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2023 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Jun 2016 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background: As more people survive cancer, the importance of research on effective interventions for improving quality of life (QOL) amongst survivors is growing. Two interventions with a substantial evidence-base are Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai chi/Qigong (TCQ). However, these interventions have never been directly compared.
Objectives: (1) To compare MBCR and TCQ to each other and a waitlist control condition using an innovative, randomized, preference-based comparative effectiveness trial (CET) design that takes into account potential moderating factors that might predict differential response. (2) To investigate the impacts of MBCR and TCQ on a range of biological outcomes including immune processes, blood pressure, heart rate variability, stress hormones, cellular aging, and gene expression.
Methods: The study design is a preference-based multi-site randomized CET incorporating two Canadian sites (Calgary, AB and Toronto, ON). Participants (N total = 600). Participants with a preference for either MBCR or TCQ will get their preferred intervention; while those without a preference will be randomized into either of the two interventions. Within the preference and non-preference groups, participants will also be randomized into immediate intervention groups or a wait-list control. Outcome measures to be assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 6-month follow up include psychological outcomes (mood, stress, mindfulness, spirituality, post-traumatic growth), QOL, symptoms (fatigue, sleep), physical function (strength, endurance), and exploratory analyses of biomarkers (cortisol slopes, cytokines, blood pressure/heart rate variability, telomere length, gene expression), and health economic measures.
Hypotheses: The investigators theorize that both MBCR and TCQ will improve outcomes amongst survivors relative to treatment as usual, particularly if patients have a strong preference for a particular intervention. Specifically, the investigators hypothesize that MBCR may be superior to TCQ on measures related to stress and mood. Conversely, TCQ may be superior to MBCR in improvement of physical and functional measures.
Detailed description
Background While there is ample research documenting the problems people diagnosed with cancer face, including high levels of distress, anxiety, depression and symptoms such as fatigue, pain and sleep disturbance, there is also a limited but growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of a range of mind-body therapies (MBTs) in alleviating these and other symptoms. The investigators have chosen to focus on comparing MBCR and TCQ because both have level 1 evidence in cancer care, and both have shown potential to affect important biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Both interventions are similarly rooted in meditative practice, but MBCR has greater emphasis on mental practice, while TCQ is more emphatically a body movement-based practice. The investigators also anticipate that many patients will have a preference for one or the other. Evidence for the efficacy of each will be briefly reviewed followed by details of study design and methods.
Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) Through an ongoing program of research the investigators adapted a group intervention based on intensive training in mindfulness meditation (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction; MBSR) specifically for people with cancer, and called it Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR), acknowledging the roots of the program but also that its form and content is somewhat different, and focused primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours, shortened from traditional MBSR based on practical logistical concerns and the needs of the study population. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools.
Since 1998, the investigators have tested its efficacy in a wide range of studies and groups of people with cancer, beginning with psychological outcomes including stress symptoms, mood disturbance including anxiety, anger and depression, then expanding in scope and scale to assess effects on sleep disturbance and fatigue. The investigators also examined positive outcomes including post-traumatic growth, spirituality and benefit finding. To assess potential biological mechanisms of change, the investigators examined the effects of the program on biomarkers including blood pressure, inflammatory cytokines, stress hormones and most recently telomere length using increasingly sophisticated study designs, showing benefit across all of these measures. The investigators work on MBCR for cancer patients and survivors has spanned the spectrum of research from basic mechanistic research to clinical trials and implementation science. Others, as well, have studied MBSR with cancer patients, and several reviews and meta-analyses summarize its benefits across outcomes of anxiety, stress, mood disturbance and quality of life.
Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) Work has also been done evaluating the efficacy of tai-chi and qigong in cancer care, and reviews are now available for both. Tai chi is a shortened name for Tai Chi Ch'uan, a form of martial art from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. In cancer care, a review of seven controlled trials in breast cancer patients concluded that while tai chi helped to improve psychological and physical health measures compared to usual care, compared to other active interventions it may not be superior. Overall in elderly samples, a larger body of research supports its efficacy for improving balance and preventing falls and improving overall psychological well-being, but larger studies with better designs are needed.
Similarly, a growing body of research suggests efficacy of qigong, a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. Qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance qi (chi) or "intrinsic life energy". Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. A review of the literature including Chinese and Korean databases found 23 studies in cancer care. The most consistent benefits were seen on immune system function (reduced inflammation), improved mood, quality of life, and fatigue. As is the case with tai chi studies, randomized controlled trials with larger samples sizes are necessary to generalize findings. The study protocol incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles. For that reason the investigators call it Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 8
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Preference: MBCR (im) | Experimental | Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to immediate treatment |
| Preference: TCQ (im) | Experimental | Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsIndividuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to immediate treatment |
| Preference: MBCR (wl) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Individuals with a preference for 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' randomized to waitlist |
| Preference: TCQ (wl) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsIndividuals with a preference for 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' randomized to waitlist |
| No Preference: MBCR (im) | Experimental | Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - immediate |
| No Preference: TCQ (im) | Experimental | Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsIndividuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - immediate |
| No Preference: MBCR (wl) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Individuals with no preference randomized to 'Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)' - waitlist |
| No Preference: TCQ (wl) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsIndividuals with no preference randomized to 'Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients' - waitlist |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Men and women over the age of 18
- Diagnosed with any type of cancer (stage I-III) excluding head, neck, or brain
- Completed active treatment (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) at least 4 months previously (ongoing hormonal therapies, AIs, tamoxifen, herceptin are not exclusionary)
- Experiencing significant distress (4 or greater on the Distress Thermometer)
- Able to attend MBCR or TCQ classes at scheduled times
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Metastatic patients and those with ongoing chemotherapy (because ongoing therapy may impair biomarker profiles, and metastatic patients may not be stable enough to participate in the interventions and follow-up assessments).
- Cognitive impairment that would interfere with completing questionnaires or the intervention.
- Suffering from current Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder or other psychiatric disorder that would interfere with the ability to participate.
- Currently engages in meditation or tai chi one or more times per week
- Previous participation in MBCR program.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) is a standardized group program which focuses primarily on the challenges faced by people living with cancer. It is an 8-week program consisting of weekly group meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours. Home practice of 45 minutes per day (15 min yoga; 30 min meditation) is prescribed. As the weeks progress, different forms of meditation are introduced, beginning with a body scan sensory awareness experience, progressing to sitting and walking meditations. Gentle Hatha yoga is incorporated throughout, as a form of moving meditation. Didactic instruction as well as group discussion and reflection, problem solving and skillful inquiry are commonly applied teaching tools. | Behavioural | No Preference: MBCR (im), No Preference: MBCR (wl), Preference: MBCR (im), Preference: MBCR (wl) |
| Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer PatientsTCQ involves a series of slow specific movements or "forms" done in a meditative fashion. It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. The practice itself has been separated from its martial arts roots and is widely taught as a health behavior practice and exercise. Qigong exercises generally have three components: a posture (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus on guiding qi through the body. Our program, developed specifically for a cancer patient population, incorporates simple Tai Chi elements within a healing framework stemming from Qigong principles. | Behavioural | No Preference: TCQ (im), No Preference: TCQ (wl), Preference: TCQ (im), Preference: TCQ (wl) |
Primary outcome
Profile of Mood States - Total Mood Disturbance (POMS-TMD)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The POMS-TMD is the overall score of mental disturbance. Linear mixed modelling will be used to assess change over time.
19 secondary outcomes
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Brief Pain Inventory
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Fatigue (FACT-F)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
POMS - Subscale scores (6)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Symptoms of Stress Inventory (C-SOSI-32)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-sp)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Revised (PTGI-R)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Average Diurnal Cortisol Slope
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Telomere length (TL) & Telomerase
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Heart Rate (HR)/Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Blood Pressure
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Timed Up and Go Test
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Maximal Walking Speed
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Maximum Grip Strength
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Single Leg Standing
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Cytokine Production
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
EQ-5D-5L
Time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Mar 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40505072Carlson LE, Jones JM, Oberoi D, Piedalue KA, Wayne PM, Santa Mina D, Lawal OA, Speca M. Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study: Primary Outcomes of a Preference-Based Multisite Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Jul 20;43(21):2372-2386. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-02540. Epub 2025 Jun 12.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Linda E Carlson, PhD principal investigator
University of Calgary, Cancer Control Alberta, Alberta Health Services
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR) and Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) for Cancer Patients in people with Cancer, run by Linda E. Carlson at 2 sites in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Mar 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Profile of Mood States - Total Mood Disturbance (POMS-TMD) (time frame: pre-intervention, within 3 weeks of completion of the intervention, 6-month follow up from intervention completion). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02801123, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Mar 2023.