Trial reportJournal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs2014
Tai chi, cellular inflammation, and transcriptome dynamics in breast cancer survivors with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial.
Abstract readComparative StudyRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph
Trial report in Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs, 2014. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 92 papers, 23 of them syntheses that pooled it.
0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
92citing papers in PubMed, 23 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
92 citing papers in PubMed, 23 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Effects of different mind-body exercises on quality of life and cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026Pooled it
- Comparative efficacy of different exercise interventions for cancer-related fatigue, health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer survivors: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.BMC public health · 2026Pooled it
- Meta-Analysis of the Use of Chinese Martial Arts Training for Alleviating Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors.Cancer medicine · 2026Pooled it
- Performance of Tai Chi Chuan and NF-κB-driven proinflammatory gene expression (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in adult chronic disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Frontiers in immunology · 2026Pooled it
- Pooled it
- Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine external therapy on cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in oncology · 2026Pooled it
- Global research trends of TCM-based nonpharmacologic interventions in breast cancer supportive care: a bibliometric analysis (2000-2025).Frontiers in oncology · 2026Pooled it
- Effectiveness of qigong and Tai Chi for quality of life in patients with cancer: an umbrella review and meta-analysis.BMC complementary medicine and therapies · 2025Pooled it
- Global research dynamics in the Tai Chi and insomnia: a bibliometric study from 2006 to 2025.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025Pooled it
- Mind-body therapies for pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with depression: findings from a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Frontiers in immunology · 2025Pooled it
- Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Frontiers in public health · 2023Pooled it
- Effect of Chinese Traditional Wushu on Cancer-Related Fatigue, Sleep Quality and Upper Limb Dysfunction of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.BioMed research international · 2022Pooled it
- Sleep Disorders in Cancer-A Systematic Review.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021Pooled it
- Tai Chi for cancer survivors: A systematic review toward consensus-based guidelines.Cancer medicine · 2021Pooled it
- Effects of Diet and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss on Biomarkers of Inflammation in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology · 2021Pooled it
- Current Evidence on Traditional Chinese Exercise for Cancers: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2020Pooled it
- Effect of Tai Chi Chuan in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Frontiers in oncology · 2020Pooled it
- Nurse-led interventions on quality of life for patients with cancer: A meta-analysis.Medicine · 2018Pooled it
- Ameliorative effects of Tai Chi on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2018Pooled it
- Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence?Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien · 2016Pooled it
32 more citing papers are in PubMed but not listed here.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
12 authors.
Michael R IrwinCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB). mirwin1@ucla.edu.
Richard OlmsteadCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Elizabeth C BreenCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Tuff WitaramaCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Carmen CarrilloCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Nina SadeghiCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Jesusa M G ArevaloCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Jeffrey MaCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Perry NicassioCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Patricia A GanzCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Julienne E BowerCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Steve ColeCousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, RO, ECB, TW, CC, NS, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences (MRI, RO, ECB, JMGA, JM, PN, JEB, SC), and Department of Medicine (JMGA, PAG, SC), UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Division of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA (PAG); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, PAG, JEB, SC); Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA (MRI, JEB).
Funding
UCLA OLDER AMERICANS INDEPENDENCE CENTERP30AG028748 · NIA · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · PI MOORE, ALISON AHERN · 2006 to 2017
$9.8MAging: Sleep and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Depression PreventionR01AG026364 · NIA · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R · 2005 to 2015
$5.8MSleep, Inflamation, and Depression Occurrence in Breast Cancer SurvivorsR01CA160245 · NCI · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R · 2012 to 2016
$3.9MChronic Moderate Sleep Restriction in Older Long and Older Average SleepersR01HL095799 · NHLBI · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R, JEAN-LOUIS, GIRARDIN · 2011 to 2015
$3.8MMechanisms of Sleep Disruption HyperalgesiaR01DA032922 · NIDA · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R, SMITH, MICHAEL T · 2012 to 2016
$2.7MTai Chi Effects on Chronic Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors: Immune MechanismsR01CA119159 · NCI · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R · 2006 to 2010
$2.2MSubjective Social Isolation and Sleep Disturbances: Inflammatory Mechanisms in AgR01AG034588 · NIA · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · PI IRWIN, MICHAEL R · 2009 to 2013
$1.9MNCI NIH HHS R01-CA119159NCI NIH HHS R01 CA160245-01NHLBI NIH HHS R01 HL095799NIA NIH HHS P30 AG028748NIA NIH HHS P30-AG028748NIA NIH HHS R01-AG026364NIA NIH HHS R01-AG034588NIDA NIH HHS R01 DA032922-01
Abstract
backgroundMind-body therapies such as Tai Chi are widely used by breast cancer survivors, yet effects on inflammation are not known. This study hypothesized that Tai Chi Chih (TCC) would reduce systemic, cellular, and genomic markers of inflammation as compared with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
methodsIn this randomized trial for the treatment of insomnia, 90 breast cancer survivors with insomnia were assigned to TCC or CBT-I for 2-hour sessions weekly for 3 months. At baseline and postintervention, blood samples were obtained for measurement of C-reactive protein and toll-like receptor-4-activated monocyte production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), with a random subsample (n = 48) analyzed by genome-wide transcriptional profiling.
resultsLevels of C-reactive protein did not change in the TCC and CBT-I groups. Levels of toll-like receptor-4-activated monocyte production of IL-6 and TNF combined showed an overall reduction in TCC versus CBT-I (P < .02), with similar effects for IL-6 (P = .07) and TNF (P < .05) alone. For genome-wide transcriptional profiling of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells, expression of genes encoding proinflammatory mediators showed an overall reduction in TCC versus CBT-I (P = .001). TELiS promoter-based bioinformatics analyses implicated a reduction of activity of the proinflammatory transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB, in structuring these differences.
conclusionsAmong breast cancer survivors with insomnia, 3 months of TCC reduced cellular inflammatory responses, and reduced expression of genes encoding proinflammatory mediators. Given the link between inflammation and cancer, these findings provide an evidence-based molecular framework to understand the potential salutary effects of TCC on cancer survivorship.
Indexed as
Tai JiAdultAgedAged, 80 and overBreast NeoplasmsCells, CulturedCognitive Behavioral TherapyComputational BiologyC-Reactive ProteinDown-RegulationFemaleGene Expression ProfilingHumansInflammationInterleukin-6Middle AgedC-Reactive ProteinInterleukin-6NF-kappa BToll-Like Receptor 4Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
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