RESEARCH FINDINGS USING GUIDED
IMAGERY FOR
CHEMOTHERAPY
July, 2006
Scope
of the Problem of Chemotherapy Side
Effects
Approximately
1,399,790 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with
cancer in 2006 (American Cancer Society, 2006),
and about half will
receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment regimen. As
many as 25% of chemotherapy patients experience
anticipatory nausea (Redd, Rosenberg, and Hendler,
1982-83).
Vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and depression are common after
having chemotherapy. Painful side effects (e.g., mouth
sores) can also occur. Severe side effects like fatigue and
anemia can lead to loss of time at work for the patient
and/or the caregiver, additional office visits, and failure
to complete chemotherapy treatment -- all of which
contribute to morbidity and mortality, and to the total in
2005 of $209.9 billion direct and indirect costs of cancer
(American Cancer Society).
Research
in Mind/Body Interventions for
Chemotherapy
Cognitive
behavioral intervention successfully lessened the symptoms
of chemotherapy, especially among those with severe
symptoms (Given C, Given B, et al, 2004). Some people
undergoing chemotherapy become nauseated
prior
to a chemotherapy
treatment. This is called “anticipatory nausea.”
Hypnosis has been successful in reducing or eliminating
anticipatory and post-treatment nausea in both adults and
children (Jacknow, Tschann, et al, 1994; Marchioro,
Azzaarello et al, 2000; Morrow and Morrell,1982; Mundy,
DuHamel & Montgomery, 1993). Relaxation
training is also effective in reducing anticipatory nausea
(Vasterling, Jenkins et al, 1993).
The authors of one meta-analysis concluded that relaxation
training was so effective at helping emotional adjustment,
tension, mood, and anxiety that “relaxation training should
be implemented into clinical routine for cancer patients in
acute medical treatment” (Leubbert, Dahme & Hasenbring,
2001).
Imagery’s effectiveness as a complementary treatment
extends to pain as well. One study demonstrated that
imagery, relaxation, and cognitive behavioral training can
reduce the pain of certain chemotherapy side effects
(Syrjala, Donaldson, et al, 1995).
Guided imagery can also help people tolerate chemotherapy
treatments and have a better sense of well-being. Several
studies have shown that guided imagery and relaxation
techniques have been able to lessen the nausea caused by
some chemotherapy drugs (Lehrman, Rimer, et al, 1990;
Molassiotis, Yung, et al,
2002; Mundy, DuHamel & Montgomery, 2003). In one study
patients
using chemotherapy-specific guided imagery reported a
“significantly more positive experience” (Troesch,
Rodehaver, et al, 1993).
Having a better chemotherapy
experience is important because as many as 31% of
chemotherapy patients prematurely stop treatment because of
anxiety or depression (Newell, Sanson-Fisher, et al, 1998).
Relaxation and imagery can directly relieve anxiety and
depression. They can also indirectly help these conditions
by improving quality of life and reducing side effects.
This may allow patients to successfully complete treatment.
A study of 96 breast cancer patients who used guided
imagery and relaxation were more relaxed during
chemotherapy, and had a better quality of life. This led
the study’s authors to conclude that relaxation and guided
imagery were “simple, inexpensive and beneficial” for
patients undergoing chemotherapy (Walker LG, Walker MB, et
al, 1999).
Other
researchers concluded that chemotherapy patients who use
self-help programs to manage their stress do even better
than people who receive professional stress-reduction help.
They have more energy, can function better, and feel better
mentally. The economic consequences are equally impressive.
The self-help program studied cost 66% to 68% less than a
typical professional psychosocial chemotherapy preparation
(Jacobson, Meade et al, 2002).
Conclusion
Relaxation with guided imagery is a safe, inexpensive
technique that can improve chemotherapy patients’ quality
of life, reduce side effects, and improve their chances of
completing therapy.
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