Hypnosis for Breathlessness Mastery in People with Persistent Dyspnea
Official title: Effectiveness of Hypnosis on Breathlessness Mastery in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by University Hospital, Geneva · NCT07173348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether hypnosis can help people with persistent breathlessness from cancer, COPD, ILD, or heart failure feel more in control of their dyspnea.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 82 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Geneva Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07173348 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with metastatic cancer, COPD (stage B or higher), ILD, or CHF and NYHA II+ or mMRC ≥ 2 experiencing persistent dyspnea.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with very limited life expectancy, recent pulmonary rehabilitation, or inability to attend follow-up sessions may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective randomized trial investigates the effect of a hypnosis intervention on breathlessness mastery in adults with persistent dyspnea due to cancer (metastatic), COPD, ILD, or CHF. The primary endpoint is the patient-reported breathlessness mastery measured by the CRQ mastery subscale after the intervention. Participants must have a dyspnea level that meets study thresholds and be able to attend clinic visits; those with recent hypnosis, short life expectancy, or recent pulmonary rehab are excluded. The study builds on evidence that hypnosis can reduce anxiety in breathlessness and aims to determine its impact on self-management of dyspnea with minimal risk. Lead institutions are Geneva University Hospitals, with collaboration from Lancardis Foundation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may gain better control over their breathlessness and improved quality of life through a non-pharmacological approach.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest hypnosis can reduce anxiety associated with breathlessness, but its effect on dyspnea self-management requires further validation in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged ≥ 18 years and * Primary diagnosis of metastatic cancer, COPD stage at least B or E, ILD, or CHF and * Dyspnea stage NYHA ≥ II or mMRC ≥ 2 Exclusion Criteria: * Have had hypnosis treatment in the last 12 months * Have an estimated life expectancy of less than 6 months * Have participated in pulmonary rehabilitation in the last 6 months * Have been hospitalised in the last month (30 days) * Are unable to come to the hospital for 3 outpatient consultations (1 every two weeks) * Have a condition that would interfere with their ability to respond to the questionnaires (i.e. cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, etc.) * Are not eligible for a hypnosis session due to a psychiatric disorder
Where it's running
-
Geneva University Hospitals
Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lisa Hentsch, Dr med — University Hospital, Geneva
- Study coordinator: Lisa Hentsch, Dr med
- Email: lisa.hentsch@hug.ch
- Phone: +41 22 305 66 12
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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.