EMDR Toolbox to reduce psychological distress in people with early-stage cancer
Feasibility and Efficacy of an EMDR Psychotherapeutic Intervention With Additional Procedures (EMDR Toolbox Method) in Improving the Psychological Well-Being of Patients Diagnosed With Oncological Disease: A Randomized Study.
This trial will test whether the EMDR Toolbox therapy, compared with standard EMDR, can help adults with stage I–II cancer reduce psychological distress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lega Cancro Ticino Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bellinzona, Canton Ticino and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07481890 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial offers either standard EMDR or the EMDR Toolbox Method to adults with stage I–II cancer to test feasibility and effects on psychological distress. The program is delivered by trained clinicians within liaison psychology services and integrates routine distress screening with trauma-focused psychotherapy. Outcomes include measures of psychological distress, acceptability, and feasibility such as session completion and questionnaire return. Patients must be able to complete questionnaires and provide written informed consent, and those with psychiatric conditions that impair consent are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with stage I–II cancer who can complete questionnaires and provide informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disorders that impair informed consent or those with more advanced cancer stages likely will not be eligible or benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer cancer patients a trauma-focused therapy that reduces psychological distress and improves coping during treatment.
How similar studies have performed: EMDR is an established treatment for trauma-related distress and small studies suggest benefits for cancer-related distress, but the specific EMDR Toolbox Method has been less extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical stage of the tumor: Stage I, II (TNM classification) * Age ≥ 18 years \<=65 * Conditions enabling correct implementation of the proposed program (ability to complete questionnaires) * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric or other disorders that may impair the ability to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Bellinzona, Canton Ticino and 1 other locations
- Lega cancro Ticino — Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland (Recruiting)
- Lega Cancro Ticino — Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paola Arnaboldi — Lega Cancro Ticino
- Study coordinator: Paola Arnaboldi, PsyD
- Email: paola.arnaboldi@legacancro-ti.ch
- Phone: +41782192859
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.