The Importance of Spirituality in Supportive Care for Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Messina Giuseppina, Anania Stefania, Bonomo Claudia, Veneroni Laura, Andreoli Antonietta, Mameli Francesca, Ortolina Chiara, De Fabritiis Paola, Gaffuri Maria, Imbesi Francesco, Moja Egidio
Primary Institution: Foundation IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
Hypothesis
Does a spiritual approach improve survival time in metastatic cancer patients?
Conclusion
A spiritual therapeutic approach may improve the survival time of untreatable metastatic solid tumor patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The combination of IL-2 and MLT with Yoga showed the best survival outcomes.
- Patients receiving supportive care alone had no survivors at 2 years.
- Spiritual practices improved subjective well-being in patients.
Takeaway
This study found that combining spiritual practices like Yoga with medical treatments can help cancer patients live longer.
Methodology
A case-control study with 240 metastatic cancer patients divided into 6 treatment groups.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-randomized selection of control patients.
Limitations
The study was not randomized and relied on patient acceptance of the spiritual program.
Participant Demographics
240 patients (M/F: 146/94; median age: 62 years, range: 34-71).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001 for survival comparison between groups.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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