Abstract
BACKGROUND.
This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined the clinical effects of 2 complementary (CAM) therapies, relaxation response therapy (RRT) and Reiki therapy, in men being treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRx) for prostate cancer.
METHODS.
Study participants were randomly assigned to weekly RRT, Reiki therapy twice weekly, or waitโlist control. Wellโvalidated instruments measured anxiety (STAI), depression (CESโD), and quality of life in cancer patients (FACTโG) at randomization and 3 subsequent time points.
RESULTS.
Fiftyโfour men were randomized, and 16 of 18 (89%) of RRT and 15 of 18 (83%) of Reiki patients completed the intervention protocol. No statistically significant difference was found between the RRT, Reiki, and control groups on total scores for the STAI, CESโD, or FACTโG instruments at any time point. However, at the end of the intervention, significant improvement was found on the emotional wellโbeing subscale of the FACTโG quality of life scale in the RRT group compared with the Reiki and control groups (P = .01). In participants who were classified as โanxiousโ at baseline, statistically significant improvement occurred in the RRT group (P = .02), and a positive trend was found in the Reiki group (P = .10).
CONCLUSIONS.
This pilot study documented the feasibility of conducting a RCT of CAM therapies in men undergoing EBRx for prostate cancer. Relaxation response therapy improved emotional well being and eased anxiety in participants. Reiki therapy also had a positive effect in anxious patients. A larger study to verify and better define the benefits of these therapies in men with prostate cancer is warranted. Cancer 2011. ยฉ 2010 American Cancer Society.