Actively Recruiting
Mindfulness-Oriented Respiratory Distress Symptom Intervention for Patients With Lung Cancer: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2026-04-17
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and presents significant challenges due to symptoms like breathlessness, persistent cough, and fatigue. These symptoms often cause psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. This research aims to develop and test a mindfulness-oriented respiratory distress symptom intervention (M-RDSI) specifically for patients with lung cancer, to address both physical and psychological symptoms while exploring brain mechanisms involved in breathlessness using neuroimaging. The study has two phases: Phase I focuses on creating and culturally adapting the M-RDSI intervention with input from patients and healthcare experts. Phase II involves a randomized controlled trial with 64 participants assigned to either the M-RDSI group or usual care. The M-RDSI group receives a 6-week program including mindfulness training, breathing control, cough suppression, acupressure, exercise, and relaxation techniques, supported by web-based materials. The usual care group receives health education booklets and routine oncology nurse follow-ups. Phase II also includes a 12-week follow-up, with brain activity assessed by fMRI before and after the intervention. Participants will be evaluated on recruitment, retention, dropout, adherence, and satisfaction rates. Clinical outcomes such as breathlessness, cough, fatigue, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life will be measured through self-reports at multiple time points. Neurophysiological changes related to breathlessness will be examined through brain imaging. Qualitative interviews will gather feedback on the intervention's acceptability and perceived benefits. The total participation includes the intervention period and a follow-up phase lasting up to 12 weeks after the program ends.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Mindfulness-Oriented Respiratory Distress Symptom Intervention for Lung Cancer
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Hong Kong patients aged 18 years or older who understand Cantonese
- Confirmed diagnosis of intrathoracic malignancy including small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, or mesothelioma
- At any stage of cancer treatment or palliative care
- Self-reported impact on daily life from at least two symptoms including breathlessness
- Stable COPD if present
- WHO Performance Status between 0 and 2
- Able to undergo fMRI scanning
- Expected to live more than six months
You will not qualify if you...
- Cognitive impairments, severe psychotic symptoms, or other medical conditions that prevent participation
- Currently involved in mindfulness, psychological support, or symptom management interventions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or online)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants receive a 6-week mindfulness-oriented respiratory distress symptom intervention including mindfulness training, controlled breathing, cough suppression techniques, acupressure, and exercise, supported by web-based educational materials and two group training sessions.
2 group training sessions and daily home practice
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are followed for 12 weeks after the intervention to assess retention, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes including breathlessness, cough, fatigue, mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
1 follow-up visit and 1 qualitative interview
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yan LI
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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