A systematic review of guided imagery as an adjuvant cancer therapy

Objective The aim of this paper was to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from clinical trials regarding the use of imagery as a sole adjuvant or supportive therapy for cancer.Methods Electronic searches for published RCTs were carried out in seven databases. Trials that featured imagery or guided imagery as a sole adjuvant or supportive therapy for cancer patients were included. No language restrictions were imposed. Data were extracted and validated independently by two researchers.Results Six RCTs were included. Poor reporting and heterogeneous populations, interventions and outcome measures across trials precluded statistical pooling of results. The methodological quality was on average low. Three studies reported some beneficial effects of guided imagery, most frequently on psychological responses.Conclusion Guided imagery, as a sole adjuvant cancer therapy, may be psycho-supportive and increase comfort. There is no compelling evidence from clinical trials to suggest positive effects on physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The data seem sufficiently encouraging to merit further study of imagery as a supportive therapy.Acknowledgements Liz Roffe was supported by a grant from the British Medical Association. Katja Schmidt was supported by the Pilkington Family Trusts