The impact of "laying on of hands" on well being in patients with advanced cancer

18566 Background: To determine whether the impact of “laying on of hands” on well being of patients with advanced cancer is more efficient when performed by a person with “healing powers” as compared to an actor. Methods: A total of 80 patients was registered to participate in a randomized, single-blind phase III trial to evaluate the difference in efficacy of “laying on of hands” by either a “healer” or a sham person (actor). Both arms were designed to consist of a total of 40 patients, divided into 5 groups including 8 patients each. Each patient should receive treatment for 5 minutes, 3 times a week. A “Well-being scale” was used to measure differences in treatment outcomes. The primary and secondary endpoint evaluated the difference in the total sum score of the “Well-being scale” between the two arms on day 10 or day 5, respectively. Results: The first run was unblinded by the “healer”. Hence, only the second run was available for comparison. There was no significant difference in sum-score values be...