Open AccessSpiritual Expression and Immune Status in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Exploratory Study
Author(s) -
Sephton Sandra E.,
Koopman Cheryl,
Schaal Michael,
Thoresen Carl,
Spiegel David
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the breast journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.533
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1524-4741
pISSN - 1075-122X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1524-4741.2001.20014.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immune system , immunology , lymphocyte , breast cancer , attendance , antigen , cytotoxic t cell , flow cytometry , cancer , white blood cell , spirituality , oncology , pathology , biology , biochemistry , economics , in vitro , economic growth , alternative medicine
This exploratory study examined relationships between spirituality and immune function in 112 women with metastatic breast cancer. Spirituality was assessed by patient reports of frequency of attendance at religious services and importance of religious or spiritual expression. White blood cell counts, absolute numbers of lymphocytes, T‐lymphocyte subsets, and natural killer cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Assessments of natural killer cell activity and delayed‐type hypersensitivity responses to skin test antigens provided two measures of functional immunity. In analyses controlling for demographic, disease status, and treatment variables, women who rated spiritual expression as more important had greater numbers of circulating white blood cells and total lymphocyte counts. Upon examination of relationships with lymphocyte subsets, both helper and cytotoxic T‐cell counts were greater among women reporting greater spirituality.