PD28-02 AN IPOD-GUIDED SLOW BREATHING INTERVENTION TO CONTROL HOT FLASHES IN ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS ON HORMONE THERAPY

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a breathing technique, guided by an iPod Touch application, to manage hot flashes among prostate cancer (PC) survivors after experiencing a rising PSA. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is considered first-line treatment for this patient population. Although effective in slowing the rise in PSA, ADT has side effects, such as vasomotor symptoms (VS; also known as hot flashes). Up to 50% of men report VS severe enough to require treatment. Such pharmacological approaches are associated with additional side effects and might interfere with cancer control. Patients are also often wary about taking more medications. METHODS: A total of 21 prostate cancer patients have been enrolled in the study. Participants were instructed in the slow breathing technique and the use of the 2Breathe application. Participants received an iPod during the 9-week long study. Assessments took place at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-week follow up. 2Breathe usage data was extracted from each iPod. RESULTS: Results are based on the n1⁄419 men who completed participation. Men were, on average, 67 years old, African American (84%), and had at least a high school education. Participants used the program an average of 3.5 times a day over the course of 9 weeks. As instructed, participants used the program to guide their breathing 88% of the time. With regard to preliminary effectiveness, the use of the breathing technique reduced the occurrence of hot flashes by 35%, a significant decline (p u003c 0.046) from a mean occurrence of 7.7 episodes at baseline to 5 episodes at 9 weeks post baseline. In addition, 75% of participants found the program “extremely” easy to operate and the breathing technique was rated as “quite a bit” or “extremely easy” by 92% of patients. The majority of patients (67%) used the program “most of the time” during a hot flash episode; 8% used it “always.” CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate that the breathing exercise significantly reduced VS episodes among PC survivors, and that the App was well received, feasible to implement, and easy to operate.