Actively Recruiting
Combination of the EMDR Integrative Group Protocol and Individual EMDR Treatment in Patients With Advanced Thyroid Cancer: A Pilot Study
Led by Università Cattolica di Milano · Updated on 2026-03-04
25
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
9 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
Università Cattolica di Milano
Lead Sponsor
A
ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The trial investigates the feasibility and effects of a combined Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol and optional individual EMDR therapy in people diagnosed with cancer. The study focuses on addressing traumatic stress related to cancer diagnosis, which can deeply impact emotions, cognition, and physical pain, affecting a person's sense of identity. This pilot study aims to evaluate how this combined behavioral intervention may help process cancer-related traumatic memories in people with advanced thyroid cancer or related conditions. Participants receive an integrated EMDR intervention that begins with group sessions using the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress (IGTP-OTS). This follows the EMDR 8-phase protocol to provide early emotional stabilization. Additional individual EMDR sessions are offered if needed to further support processing traumatic memories related to personal cancer experiences. This combined approach is studied as a behavioral intervention without drug treatments. During the study, participants complete the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to assess symptoms at baseline, after intervention (about 1 month later), and at a follow-up visit approximately 3 months later. The study measures psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms over time to observe potential changes. The total participation period includes these repeated assessments to monitor the intervention's impact on cancer-related traumatic stress.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
EMDR Integrative Group Protocol and Individual Treatment for Patients With Cancer: A Pilot Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with cancer
- Have post-traumatic stress disorder with an Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) score greater than 32
- Aged between 18 and 100 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently receiving specialized trauma therapy
- Currently on psychiatric medication unless the dose has been stable for at least 2 months prior to enrollment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 1 month
Participants undergo the EMDR Integrative Group Protocol sessions followed by additional individual EMDR sessions if needed to process traumatic memories related to their cancer experience.
Weekly visits for approximately 4 weeks
Duration - Approximately 2 months
Participants are monitored to assess the lasting effects of the EMDR treatment on traumatic stress symptoms.
1 visit (in-person) approximately 3 months after treatment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Milan, Italy, 20123
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Cesare Cavalera
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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