OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationships between a 
mindfulness-based stress reduction meditation program for early stage breast and 
prostate cancer patients and quality of life, mood states, stress symptoms, 
lymphocyte counts, and cytokine production.
METHODS: Forty-nine patients with breast cancer and 10 with prostate cancer 
participated in an 8-week MBSR program that incorporated relaxation, meditation, 
gentle yoga, and daily home practice. Demographic and health behavior variables, 
quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30), mood (POMS), stress (SOSI), and counts of NK, 
NKT, B, T total, T helper, and T cytotoxic cells, as well as NK and T cell 
production of TNF, IFN-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 were assessed pre- and 
postintervention.
RESULTS: Fifty-nine and 42 patients were assessed pre- and postintervention, 
respectively. Significant improvements were seen in overall quality of life, 
symptoms of stress, and sleep quality. Although there were no significant 
changes in the overall number of lymphocytes or cell subsets, T cell production 
of IL-4 increased and IFN-gamma decreased, whereas NK cell production of IL-10 
decreased. These results are consistent with a shift in immune profile from one 
associated with depressive symptoms to a more normal profile.
CONCLUSIONS: MBSR participation was associated with enhanced quality of life and 
decreased stress symptoms in breast and prostate cancer patients. This study is 
also the first to show changes in cancer-related cytokine production associated 
with program participation.