EMDR group program with optional individual EMDR for people with cancer
Official title: Combination of the EMDR Integrative Group Protocol and Individual EMDR Treatment in Patients With Advanced Thyroid Cancer: A Pilot Study
Run by Università Cattolica di Milano · NCT07447089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try EMDR group therapy plus optional individual EMDR to reduce PTSD symptoms and psychological distress in people diagnosed with cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Università Cattolica di Milano Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 5, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07447089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people with a cancer diagnosis who have significant PTSD symptoms (IES-R > 32), are not currently receiving specialized trauma therapy, and have had any psychiatric medications at a stable dose for at least two months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients already receiving specialized trauma therapy or those with recent changes in psychiatric medication are excluded and may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot process–outcome project delivers the EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (IGTP) with an optional individual EMDR protocol to people with cancer who have elevated PTSD symptoms, using repeated measures to track change over time. Participants attend group EMDR sessions and may receive additional one-on-one EMDR if clinically indicated. Outcomes include feasibility (ability to deliver the protocol in this population) and changes in PTSD and distress scores across multiple time points. The design is non-pharmacological and focuses on psychological processing of cancer-related traumatic events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could lower PTSD symptoms and psychological distress and help people with cancer cope better with trauma-related memories.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests EMDR can help process cancer-related traumatic events, but combining the IGTP group protocol with optional individual EMDR in people with cancer is a pilot approach with limited prior testing.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * cancer diagnosis * PTSD (IES-R \> 32) Exclusion Criteria: * receiving specialized trauma therapy * receiving current psychiatric pharmacological treatment, unless the dosage has been stable for at least 2 months prior to enrollment
Where it's running
-
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Milan, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cesare Cavalera
- Email: cesarem.cavalera@unicatt.it
- Phone: +393409373408
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.