Actively Recruiting
EMDR Treatment of Conditioned Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Survivors - a Pilot Study
Led by University Medical Center Groningen · Updated on 2025-12-11
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
EMDR Treatment of Conditioned Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Survivors
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Previously pathologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer
- Previously treated with systemic cancer therapy
- Persistent complaints (more than 2 months) of conditioned nausea and/or vomiting
- Able to understand spoken and written Dutch
- 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Ongoing psychiatric treatment
- EMDR therapy contraindications such as dissociative disorders, personality disorders, or severe somatic disorders like cardiac arrhythmias
- Complex type 2 trauma
- Recent conditions or non-anti-cancer medication that can cause nausea (e.g., pregnancy or alcohol abuse)
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 - Varies per participant depending on the number of sessions
Participants receive 1 to 3 EMDR therapy sessions with a trained psychologist to address conditioned nausea and vomiting.
1 to 3 sessions lasting 60-90 minutes each
Duration - 3 weeks after last treatment session
Participants are assessed three weeks after their last EMDR therapy session to evaluate changes in conditioned nausea and vomiting.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Medical Center Groningen
Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands, 9713 GZ
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jacco J de Haan, MD, PhD
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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