What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing high fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among patients with familial melanoma. Familial melanoma is linked to genetic factors such as the CDKN2A gene mutation, which significantly increases the risk of melanoma and pancreatic cancer. High FCR negatively impacts quality of life and may increase healthcare use, making effective treatments important for these patients. EMDR is a psychological therapy previously shown to help with PTSD and anxiety related to illness, including reducing FCR in other cancer types. Participants with familial melanoma and high FCR will be randomly assigned to receive up to four 90-minute sessions of EMDR treatment or be placed on a waiting list. The treatment period for EMDR lasts about 4 weeks, while the waiting list period is 6 weeks. EMDR therapy involves desensitizing memories of past experiences and fears about future health catastrophes. This study compares outcomes between those receiving EMDR and those waiting to receive it. During the study, participants will complete the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS) to measure changes in fear of cancer recurrence before treatment, after 4 weeks or at the end of EMDR, after 6 weeks or 2 weeks post-treatment, and again 3 months after treatment ends. Quality of life will also be assessed. Researchers monitor the decrease and level of FCR as the main outcome and quality of life as a secondary outcome. The study includes safety and follow-up assessments over these time points to determine EMDR's impact on patient well-being.

EMDR for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Familial Melanoma: a Waiting List Control Trial