Trial Information

Comedy in Chemotherapy (COMIC) Study

Patients were recruited from the Outpatient Oncology (OPO) clinic at QMC. After signing an
informed consent, patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy were randomly assigned to view
a 45-minute humorous DVD or non-humorous DVD. The following measurements were obtained
before and after patients viewed the DVD: Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and the
state portion of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI-S) to assess symptoms
related to cancer and chemotherapy, salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) to assess immune
function and salivary cortisol to assess emotional stress. In addition, patients,
caregivers, and nurses were asked open-ended questions after the intervention to ascertain
their impression of the overall intervention experience. Multiple analysis of covariance
(MANCOVA) were be used to analyze changes in ESAS, STAI-S, IgA and cortisol within and
between the two groups.