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Familial MelanomaFAMENCT06767332

EMDR for Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Patients with Familial Melanoma: a Waiting List Control Trial

A study testing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in people with Familial Melanoma and Fear of Cancer Recurrence, run by Leiden University Medical Center at 2 sites in Netherlands.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

High fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) impacts patient's quality of life (QoL) and is prevalent among patients with familial melanoma. The main objective is to investigate whether EMDR is effective in treating high FCR in patients with familial melanoma. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
2 sitesNetherlands
Study dates
1 Nov 2023to 31 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • a score of 16 or higher on the FCRI-NL-SF
  • 18 years or older
  • diagnosed with familial melanoma

Who cannot join

  • insufficient knowledge of the Dutch language.
  • acute psychiatric disease (psychosis, suicidal ideation)
  • variable dosis of anxiolytics

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Sanne K. de Bie, Drs. contact

0031 71 526 3615

s.k.de_bie@lumc.nl

Chris Hinnen, Dr. contact

0031 71 526 3615

s.c.h.hinnen@lumc.nl

Netherlands2 sites, 2 recruiting
  • Leiden University Medical Center

    Leiden, South Holland, 2333ZA

    Sanne Bee, s.de_bie@lumc.nl

    Recruiting
  • Leiden University Medical Centre

    Leiden, South Holland, 2333ZA

    Sanne K. de Bie, drs., (+31) 071 526 3615, fame.studie@lumc.nl

    Sanne K. de Bie, drs., (+31) 0616658186, s.k.de_bie@lumc.nl

    Recruiting

Other trials in Netherlands

About this study

High fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) impacts patient's quality of life (QoL) and is prevalent among patients with familial melanoma. The main objective is to investigate whether EMDR is effective in treating high FCR in patients with familial melanoma. The study design is a non-blinded, randomized waiting-list controlled trial. Patients aged 18 years or older with familial melanoma can be included. Patients with high FCR will receive a maximum of 4, 90 minutes, EMDR-sessions. The main study parameter is the decrease and level of FCR measured with the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS). The secondary study parameter is quality of life, measured with the EORTC.

Read the detailed description

There are an estimated 232100 cutaneous melanoma (CM) cases diagnosed and 55500 (24%) reported deaths worldwide annually. The incidence and mortality rates of CM vary per geographic location and the highest incidence rates are reported for Caucasian populations with fair skin. Approximately 10% of patients diagnosed with CM have a positive family history for this malignancy. CDKN2A gene (p16-leiden mutation) is the major melanoma susceptibility gene explaining approximately 35% of familial cases. Patients with hereditary melanoma due to a CDKN2A mutation have an estimated 70% risk of developing melanoma and a 20% risk of pancreatic cancer. Many patients with this type of melanoma develop melanoma at an earlier age than with non-familial melanoma and many develop multiple melanomas. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) has been found to be high (38%) among patients with CM and also among patients with familial melanoma. A large group of patients, about one third, indicate they need help with the uncertainty and threat of developing a new melanoma. While some amount of fear may be adaptive and bolster adequate healthcare behavior such as UV protection and skin examination, high levels of fear have a negative impact on patients quality of life and may lead to increased healthcare utilization. In most patients, fear of future catastrophes, such as illness recurrence, is based on past experiences.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an intervention to desensitize both memories of past experiences as well as representations of future catastrophes. EMDR is an evidence-based and protocolized treatment for patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and PTSD symptomatology including fear of future catastrophes. EMDR has been shown effective not only as treatment for PTSD but also for anxiety in the context of illness or medical situations. EMDR is already used in clinical practice as a treatment for FCR. Of late, is shown that EMDR-therapy is effective in decreasing FCR in patients with mammary- and colorectal carcinoma. In this study, with a replicated (n=8) single case experimental design, is found that EMDR had a large effect on high FCR and that 6 out of 8 patients went from high FCR to low FCR after EMDR. In the present study, the investigators will further investigate the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing FCR in patients with familial melanoma.

The investigators hypothesize that EMDR treatment will lead to a significant reduction of FCR in comparison to the waitinglist condition at the end of EMDR and at 2 weeks- and 3 months follow-up. The investigators hypothesize that EMDR treatment will improve the quality of life in comparison to the waiting list condition at the end of EMDR and at 2 weeks- and 3 months follow-up.

Being tested
eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Keywords
EMDR, Fear of Cancer Recurrence, Familial Melanoma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Psychological intervention, Anxiety, Psycho-oncology, FCR
Medical subject headings
Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant, Anxiety Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)Other

    EMDR is a psychological intervention that has historically been applied to the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but has since then been shown to be effective for a variety of anxiety disorders (e.g. fear of illness and specific phobia) (Logie \& de Jongh, 2014) and somatic complaints such as post-operative pain, medically unexplained symptoms and seizure-related post-traumatic stress (Dautovic, de Roos, van Rood, Dommerholt, \& Rodenburg, 2016; van Rood \& de Roos, 2009; Maroufi, Zamani, Izadikhah, Marofi, \& O'Connor, 2016).

    With more than 25 randomized clinical trials, EMDR has been established as an evidence-based intervention for PTSD and PTSD symptomatology including physical symptoms and fear of future catastrophes (Balkom van et al., 2013).

Study groups in NCT06767332
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
InterventionExperimentalThose assigned to the intervention condition will start EMDR treatment immediately after enrolment. The intervention will consist of an intake (90 min) and a maximum of 4 EMDR sessions (90 min each). After inclusion, baseline characteristic (sociodemographic and clinical variables) will be assessed. Moreover, before start EMDR treatment, after the last EMDR session and 2 weeks- and 3 months after ending EMDR treatment FCR and quality of life will be assessed.
Receives: Other: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Waiting-listNo interventionThose assigned to the waiting-list will wait for 6 weeks. After these 6 weeks those assigned to the waiting list condition are able to receive the same treatment and the same assessment schedule when FCR is still present.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR)

    FCR is measured with de Cancer Worry Scale (CWS). The CWS is able to detect high levels of FCR in a 6-item questionnaire (a 4 point Likert scale Ranging from 1 ("never") to 4 ("almost always"). Possible scores range from 6 to 24 with higher scores indicating more worry. The CWS is a much used and reliable and valid questionnaire to assess FCR in cancer survivors (Custers, et al., 2014).

    Measured: EMDR treatment takes approximately 4 weeks, waitinglist 6 weeks. CWS is filled in before randomisation (T0), after 4 weeks/at end of EMDR treatment (T1), after 6 weeks/2 weeks after ending EMDR treatment (T2) and 3 months after ending EMDR treatment (T3)

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Quality of life (QoL)

    QoL is measured with the EORTC-QLQ-C30. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 has been developed for measuring health related quality of life in cancer patients (Aaronson, et al., 1993). The self-report questionnaire consists of 30 items of which 28 items are scored on a 4 points likert-scale and 2 items are scored on a 7 points likert-scale. The questionnaire contains functional and symptom subscales, and two items assessing general quality of life. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 is found to be reliable and valid for measuring the quality of life (Aaronson, et al., 1993, Groenvold, et al., 1997). The most recent version (3.0) has been tested in EORTC field studies (Bjordal, et al., 2000).

    Measured: EMDR treatment takes approximately 4 weeks. Waitinglist takes 6 weeks. EORTC-QLQ-C30 is filled in before randomisation (T0), after 6 weeks/2 weeks after ending EMDR treatment (T2) and at follow-up 3 months after ending EMDR treatment (T3).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Jan 2025
  2. Study start1 Nov 2023
  3. Primary completion1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomised waiting-list controlled trial
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
30 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06767332
Sponsor's protocol ID
NL79844.058.22
Acronym
FAME
Status last verified
Dec 2024
First submitted
28 Aug 2023
Last updated
9 Jan 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Hinnen C, Boonstra A, Kukutsch N, van Doorn R. Prevalence and indicators of fear of melanoma in patients with familial melanoma during surveillance. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Mar;35(3):e217-e218. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16939. Epub 2020 Oct 1. No abstract available.

    PubMed 32936976
  • Bruin J, van Rood YR, Peeters KCMJ, de Roos C, Tanious R, Portielje JEA, Gelderblom H, Hinnen SCH. Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for fear of cancer recurrence among cancer survivors: a randomized single-case experimental design. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2023;14(2):2203427. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2203427.

    PubMed 37144665
  • Custers JA, van den Berg SW, van Laarhoven HW, Bleiker EM, Gielissen MF, Prins JB. The Cancer Worry Scale: detecting fear of recurrence in breast cancer survivors. Cancer Nurs. 2014 Jan-Feb;37(1):E44-50. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0b013e3182813a17.

    PubMed 23448956
  • Dautovic E, de Roos C, van Rood Y, Dommerholt A, Rodenburg R. Pediatric seizure-related posttraumatic stress and anxiety symptoms treated with EMDR: a case series. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2016 Jul 4;7:30123. doi: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.30123. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27387846
  • Maroufi M, Zamani S, Izadikhah Z, Marofi M, O'Connor P. Investigating the effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on postoperative pain intensity in adolescents undergoing surgery: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Sep;72(9):2207-17. doi: 10.1111/jan.12985. Epub 2016 May 1.

    PubMed 27134066
  • Shapiro F. The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. Perm J. 2014 Winter;18(1):71-7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/13-098.

    PubMed 24626074
  • Bell KJL, Mehta Y, Turner RM, Morton RL, Dieng M, Saw R, Guitera P, McCaffery K, Low D, Low C, Jenkins M, Irwig L, Webster AC. Fear of new or recurrent melanoma after treatment for localised melanoma. Psychooncology. 2017 Nov;26(11):1784-1791. doi: 10.1002/pon.4366. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

    PubMed 28052599
  • Champagne A, Ivers H, Savard J. Utilization of health care services in cancer patients with elevated fear of cancer recurrence. Psychooncology. 2018 Aug;27(8):1958-1964. doi: 10.1002/pon.4748. Epub 2018 Jun 1.

    PubMed 29719072
  • Fischbeck S, Imruck BH, Blettner M, Weyer V, Binder H, Zeissig SR, Emrich K, Friedrich-Mai P, Beutel ME. Psychosocial Care Needs of Melanoma Survivors: Are They Being Met? PLoS One. 2015 Aug 21;10(8):e0132754. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132754. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26296089
  • Halk AB, Potjer TP, Kukutsch NA, Vasen HFA, Hes FJ, van Doorn R. Surveillance for familial melanoma: recommendations from a national centre of expertise. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Sep;181(3):594-596. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17767. Epub 2019 May 1. No abstract available.

    PubMed 30742720
  • Kasparian NA, McLoone JK, Butow PN. Psychological responses and coping strategies among patients with malignant melanoma: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Dermatol. 2009 Dec;145(12):1415-27. doi: 10.1001/archdermatol.2009.308.

    PubMed 20026852
  • Otto AK, Soriano EC, Siegel SD, LoSavio ST, Laurenceau JP. Assessing the relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and health care utilization in early-stage breast cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv. 2018 Dec;12(6):775-785. doi: 10.1007/s11764-018-0714-8. Epub 2018 Oct 19.

    PubMed 30341560
  • Schadendorf D, van Akkooi ACJ, Berking C, Griewank KG, Gutzmer R, Hauschild A, Stang A, Roesch A, Ugurel S. Melanoma. Lancet. 2018 Sep 15;392(10151):971-984. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31559-9.

    PubMed 30238891
  • Smith AB, Costa D, Galica J, Lebel S, Tauber N, van Helmondt SJ, Zachariae R. Spotlight on the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI). Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2020 Dec 21;13:1257-1268. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S231577. eCollection 2020.

    PubMed 33376421
  • Wagner T, Augustin M, Blome C, Forschner A, Garbe C, Gutzmer R, Hauschild A, Heinzerling L, Livingstone E, Loquai C, Schadendorf D, Terheyden P, Mueller-Brenne T, Kahler KC. Fear of cancer progression in patients with stage IA malignant melanoma. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2018 Sep;27(5):e12901. doi: 10.1111/ecc.12901. Epub 2018 Aug 20.

    PubMed 30126009

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in people with Familial Melanoma and Fear of Cancer Recurrence, run by Leiden University Medical Center at 2 sites in Netherlands.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jan 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Sanne K. de Bie, Drs. (0031 71 526 3615, s.k.de_bie@lumc.nl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) (time frame: EMDR treatment takes approximately 4 weeks, waitinglist 6 weeks. CWS is filled in before randomisation (T0), after 4 weeks/at end of EMDR treatment (T1), after 6 weeks/2 weeks after ending EMDR treatment (T2) and 3 months after ending EMDR treatment (T3)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06767332, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jan 2025.

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