Abstract | PURPOSE:
Hot flashes are a significant problem for many breast cancer survivors. Hot flashes can cause discomfort, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. A well-tolerated and effective mind-body treatment for hot flashes would be of great value. On the basis of previous case studies, this study was developed to evaluate the effect of a hypnosis intervention for hot flashes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty female breast cancer survivors with hot flashes were randomly assigned to receive hypnosis intervention (five weekly sessions) or no treatment. Eligible patients had to have a history of primary breast cancer without evidence of detectable disease and 14 or more weekly hot flashes for at least 1 month. The major outcome measure was a bivariate construct that represented hot flash frequency and hot flash score, which was analyzed by a classic sums and differences comparison. Secondary outcome measures were self-reports of interference of hot flashes on daily activities. RESULTS: Fifty-one randomly assigned women completed the study. By the end of the treatment period, hot flash scores (frequency x average severity) decreased 68% from baseline to end point in the hypnosis arm (P < .001). Significant improvements in self-reported anxiety, depression, interference of hot flashes on daily activities, and sleep were observed for patients who received the hypnosis intervention (P < .005) in comparison to the no treatment control group. CONCLUSION:
Hypnosis appears to reduce perceived hot flashes in breast cancer survivors and may have additional benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sleep.
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Authors | Gary Elkins, Joel Marcus, Vered Stearns, Michelle Perfect, M Hasan Rajab, Christopher Ruud, Lynne Palamara, Timothy Keith |
Journal | Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
(J Clin Oncol)
Vol. 26
Issue 31
Pg. 5022-6
(Nov 01 2008)
ISSN: 1527-7755 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 18809612
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
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Topics |
- Activities of Daily Living
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
(adverse effects)
- Breast Neoplasms
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Hot Flashes
(chemically induced, physiopathology, prevention & control, psychology)
- Humans
- Hypnosis
- Middle Aged
- Prospective Studies
- Quality of Life
- Severity of Illness Index
- Sleep
- Survivors
(psychology)
- Treatment Outcome
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