In August I posted about a clinical trial commencing this fall in Boston at Mass General / The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine – Mind Body Medicine for MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma. Dr. R had recommended I try to enroll as it would be “great for me.”
Hmmm…say what? Me stressed?! No way.
This research study is a supportive care trial evaluating the effectiveness of a mind body medicine intervention called the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) on stress and stress related symptoms in patients with MGUS and SMM. Data from this study will also be used to assess changes in gene expression that result from 3RP intervention, particularly genetic pathways that are known to be dysregulated in multiple myeloma. You can read more about the study here:
Mind Body Medicine and MGUS and SMM: A Promising New Approach
Well, I am happy to report that I have been accepted into this research study. I’m super pumped. The study is randomized – participants are randomly selected to be in either the “immediate” group – which means they go through the 8 week 3RP program at time of sign up, starting at the end of October – or the “wait list” group which means they go through the 3RP program starting in January.
I’m a tad bummed because I was selected to be in the “wait” group – I need some mind/body medicine now! January seems so far away. Oh well…luck of the draw. Like flipping a coin. The study is enrolling ~96 participants AND…drum roll please… I was the FIRST person to sign up! Participant #1. True story.
This is the Clinical Trial Listing:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01955395?term=13-266&rank=1