Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Cancer Survivors: Evaluation of Internet-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques and Internet-Based Mindfulness Meditation as Intervention Strategies

Summary

In this trial, the investigators introduce two internet-based psychological methods to meet the currently unmet medical need to cope with Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) beyond the acute phase of cancer treatment: internet-based emotional freedom techniques (iEFT) and internet-based mindfulness intervention (iMMI). The primary aim of this trial is to examine the efficacy of Internet-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques (iEFT) and Internet-Based Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (iMMI) to alleviate Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors, as determined through the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) in cancer survivors. To translate a statistically significant effect on FCR into a clinically significant change, the investigators would need to detect a between-group difference in mean FCRI at T1 of 10 points using an independent samples t-test (two experimental groups are compared against a single wait-list control). When the application of iEFT and/or iMMI appears effective to reduce FCR, these self-help methods could be implemented in clinical settings. The use of these low cost interventions with a low threshold, by an internet-based approach, will facilitate a potential implementation in clinical practice.

Conditions

• Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Emotional Freedom Techniques

Every participant may be randomized to either the iEFT, iMMI, or WLC group. All patients will be randomised to one of the three groups and be involved in a 6-week trajectory.

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness Meditation

Every participant may be randomized to either the iEFT, iMMI, or WLC group. All patients will be randomised to one of the three groups and be involved in a 6-week trajectory.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kom Op Tegen Kanker

  collaborator OTHER

• az Glorieux

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• AZ Klina

  collaborator OTHER

• AZ Vesalius

  collaborator OTHER

• Imeldaziekenhuis

  collaborator OTHER

• Jessa Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• University Hospital, Antwerp

  collaborator OTHER

• Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

  collaborator OTHER

• University Hospital, Ghent

  collaborator OTHER

• Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

  collaborator OTHER

• Vitaz

  collaborator OTHER

• General Hospital Groeninge

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Philip R Debruyne, MD, PhD · Kortrijk Cancer Centre,General Hospital Groeninge

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-07-03

Primary Completion

2028-08-01

Completion

2028-10-30

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations