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The Healing Arts – Forging Alliances of Arts & Medicine

International Society for Arts and Medicine (ISfAM)
18.-20.06.2026
Berlin

Meeting Abstract

Metal Color Light Therapy as a Mindfulness-Based Artistic Intervention to Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Prospective Study in Breast Cancer Patients

Charlotte Streffer - Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe
Anja Thronicke - Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe
Michaela Ganz - Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe
Shiao Li Oei - Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe
Jessica Groß - Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe
Gerrit Grieb - Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe
Friedemann Schad - Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe; Forschungsinstitut Havelhöhe

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Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a frequent and persistent consequence of breast cancer, often extending beyond treatment and impairing daily functioning. Metal Color Light Therapy (MCLT) is an artistic therapy using natural daylight illuminating colored glasses to create inward-focused sensory environments.

Objective. MCLT aims to support emotional regulation and provide restorative perceptual experiences.

Methods: This prospective single-center study at a DKG-certified breast cancer center recruited 60 patients with UICC stage 0-III breast cancer in post-treatment phase until May 2025. The intervention comprised nine 45-minute MCLT sessions over 5–7 weeks. Outcomes include quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Internal Coherence Scale (ICS), and the NCCN Distress Thermometer, assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at three- and six-month follow-up.

Results: At submission, evaluable data were available for 47 participants up to the three-month follow-up. Fatigue decreased significantly from 61 ± 25.6 at baseline to 51 ± 24.2 after intervention (Δ -10; p = 0.001) and remained improved at three months (53.2 ± 26.6; p = 0.006). Insomnia declined from 69 ± 33.6 to 49 ± 33.4 (Δ -20; p = 0.0003) and stayed below baseline at three months (53.7 ± 33.2; p = 0.008). Data for the remaining participants, scales and follow-up is pending.

Discussion: This first systematic evaluation suggests MCLT may provide lasting benefits for CRF and insomnia. Preliminary results indicate it could be a promising option to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in breast cancer survivors, highlighting the potential of receptive arts therapies in navigating personal crisis.