Mind-Body Health in Uro-Oncology: Research Study

Participant accrual will occur at NorthShore University HealthSystem's John and Carol Walter
Center for Urological Health. During or prior to an office visit, a potential subject and
possibly his/her spouse will speak with the physician or research staff to assess interest in
discussing the study. All eligible participants will be enrolled into an 8-week
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course. Because the course content focuses on
training in mindfulness meditation (and not cancer-specific issues), the researchers will
allow for mixed cancer classes. Prior to the first class, all participants will complete
baseline standardized patient reported outcomes (PROs) of health related quality of life, and
undergo blood collection via finger prick. Following participation in the 8-week course,
participants will complete their 8-week PRO and bio-marker assessments in a similar manner,
and will be randomized to either 4 months of: 1) weekly mindfulness-specific text or email
messages related to course teachings, 2) weekly general/informational texts or emails about
healthy living and lifestyle, or 3) no texts or emails. PRO and bio-marker assessments will
also be administered at 6 months, and PRO measures will be collected at 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Diagnosed with clinically localized or locally advanced prostate, kidney or bladder
cancer OR the spouse/significant other (married or living together ≥ 1 year) of a
person with prostate, kidney or bladder cancer

- Spouses/significant others will only be included if their partners with cancer
diagnoses will be participating

- 18 years old or older

- Proficient in comprehending spoken English. Proficient in reading and writing English.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Is not able to receive email or text messages

- History of diagnosed severe mental illness or hospitalization for chronic psychiatric
reasons, as identified by referring physicians, such that participation in MBSR group
activities would be contraindicated.

- Vision- or hearing-impaired such that ability to listen to or observe MBSR course
instructions is compromised.

- Diminished cognitive skills as to render consent meaningless

- Physical debilitation such that study participation would not be feasible or would
create undue hardship.

- Participation in the intervention arm of the preceding study, "Reducing Stress During
Active Surveillance" EH09-202.