Desensitizing Distressing Recollections in Cancer Patients

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Cancer

• Registration Number: NCT02760524
• Lead Sponsor: Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University

Brief Summary

The major goal of this study is to determine whether Neuro-Emotional Technique is a viable treatment option for decreasing distress in cancer patients. The potential advantages of NET are: 1) it is designed specifically to address distressing stimuli and unresolved emotional memories; 2) it is a brief, time-limited intervention; and 3) its multi-modal design may appeal to and benefit a broader range of patients than a single mode intervention

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2010-04-11
• Primary Completion: 2015-08-01
• Study First Submitted: 2015-09-29
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-05-02
• Study First Posted: 2016-05-03
• Study Completion: 2017-09-28
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-01
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 44

Inclusion Criteria

• Age ≥18 years of age
• Distressing cancer-related recollection that has persisted for at least six months
• Distressing cancer-related recollection that causes physiological reactivity (i.e., increased heart rate and/or increased skin conductance level - SCL), as described in section 4.2.3.
• Received a cancer diagnosis at least 6 months prior to being contacted for participation in this study

Exclusion Criteria

• Any current Major Mental Disorder, as assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Axis I Disorders (SCID - Clinical Version, First et al, 1997)
• History of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Current active mood primary disorder prior to the cancer diagnosis (as per PI or designate)
• History or current diagnosis of substance or alcohol abuse or dependence (as per PI or designate)
• Use of psychotropic medications within the past month or current use of medications that would interfere with autonomic nervous system measures (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, major tranquilizers).
• Use of some psychotropic medications are allowed such as SSRIs and certain sleep aids, but dosages must be stable from six weeks prior to enrollment and throughout study period
• Any psychological or musculoskeletal problems that would interfere with psychophysiological assessments and treatment
• Currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation
• Are in the terminal stages of illness

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Post traumatic Cognitions Inventory	baseline/ 4 weeks/6 months follow up	change from baseline Post Traumatic Cognitions Inventory score
State Trait Anxiety Inventory	baseline/4 weeks/6 months follow up	change from baseline State Trait Anxiety Inventory score
Brief Symptom Inventory	baseline/4 weeks/6 month follow up	change from baseline Brief Symptom Inventory

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Genomic testing	baseline/ 4 weeks follow up	change from baseline genomic testing before and after intervention
Autonomal response to distressing recollections	baseline/4 weeks follow up	change from baseline in autonomal response to distressing recollections

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Thomas Jefferson University; 🇺🇸 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States