# Impact of an Interdisciplinary Integrative Group-Based Program for Patients with Cancer: Prospective, Nonrandomized Intervention Study with a Waiting-List Control

## TL;DR

A 10-week group program combining exercise, nutrition, and relaxation improved quality of life and reduced anxiety in cancer patients.

## Contribution

Demonstrates benefits of interdisciplinary group-based programs for cancer patients' well-being.

## Key findings

- Participants showed significant improvements in quality of life and fatigue compared to the control group.
- The program also enhanced resilience and reduced anxiety among cancer patients.
- Positive effects were observed with large effect sizes in functional and social well-being.

## Abstract

Patients with cancer struggle with many symptoms during or after cancer treatment, and their quality of life is negatively affected. This study evaluates the effects of an integrative group-based program (exercise, nutrition, meditation, relaxation, aromatherapy, etc.) provided by a 10-week interdisciplinary team. A total of 128 patients participated in either the intervention group or the waiting list-control group. The results of the study revealed improvements in symptoms such as quality of life, resilience, fatigue, and anxiety, particularly among patients who participated in the group program. This study suggests that integrative programs are beneficial for patients and recommends planning randomized controlled trials in the future.

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a disease with a rising global incidence each year, and an interdisciplinary approach for both its treatment and care is needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program for patients with cancer on quality of life, fatigue, resilience, well-being, anxiety and depression. Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized intervention, waiting-list control group study evaluated the quality of life, fatigue, resilience, anxiety, depression and well-being of a total of 128 patients with cancer (intervention group: n = 86; waiting-list control group: n = 42) at baseline (week 0) and at the end of the observation period (week 10). Results: Compared with patients in the waiting-list group, patients who participated in a 10-week interdisciplinary integrative group program during or after cancer treatment had positive effects on quality of life, social/family well-being, functional well-being, resilience, fatigue, and anxiety. Specifically, significant time × group effects were observed on (FACT-G: p = 0.002, η2 = 0.73; FACIT-Fatigue: p = 0.014, η2 = 0.47; FACIT-F: p = 0.002, η2 = 0.74), social/family well-being (p = 0.015, η2 = 0.46), functional well-being (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.102), with a large effect size and resilience mean scores (p = 0.003, η2 = 0.069), and anxiety mean scores (p = 0.005, η2 = 0.060), with a medium effect size. Conclusions: This study revealed that compared with nonparticipants, participants in the 10-week interdisciplinary program benefited more from the program.