EMDR Therapy to Reduce Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Survivors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR therapy to reduce symptoms of chemotherapy-induced conditioned nausea and vomiting in cancer survivors. This side effect commonly occurs after anti-cancer treatments and can persist, impacting quality of life. Although antiemetic medications are available, their effectiveness is often limited. EMDR, a therapy originally proven for post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, is being studied to see if it might help with these persistent nausea and vomiting symptoms in former cancer patients. The study involves EMDR therapy sessions conducted by trained psychologists experienced with patients with physical illnesses. The therapy follows an eight-phase protocol using bilateral stimulation through visual, auditory, or tactile methods. Each participant will receive between one and three sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, depending on their response to treatment. The therapy aims to desensitize the conditioned triggers causing nausea and vomiting. Participants will be assessed before the first EMDR session and three weeks after their last session to measure the degree of conditioned nausea and vomiting. Quality of life impacts related to these symptoms will also be evaluated before starting therapy. The study is sponsored by the University Medical Center Groningen and runs until August 2026. Participants should expect evaluations of their symptoms, therapy sessions, and follow-up assessments during the study period.

EMDR Treatment of Conditioned Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Survivors