Psychological aspects of mind-body medicine: promises and pitfalls from research with cancer patients.

Research in psychosocial oncology has grown considerably. In this article, psychological interventions for cancer patients are reviewed. The following four areas are examined: (1) adjustment and quality of life, (2) symptom control, (3) immune function, and (4) disease progression. In each area, psychosocial dimensions of risk and resilience, the efficacy of current interventions, and the trajectory of future developments are considered.