Primary aims: To compare changes in (a) symptoms related to cancer and chemotherapy, (b) a marker of immune function (salivary immunoglobulin A), and (c) a hormonal marker of emotional stress (salivary cortisol) between two groups of patients who view a humorous or non-humorous DVD.

Secondary aim: To describe the perception of patients, caregivers, and nurses regarding the overall intervention experience.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of cancer
2. Receiving intravenous chemotherapy in the OPO clinic at QMC
3. Has a minimum appointment time in OPO of two hours
4. Age 21 or older
5. Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Blind

2. Deaf

3. Diagnosis of head/neck cancer

4. Severe oral mucositis

5. Cognitively impaired

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