Targeting Fear of Cancer Recurrence with Internet-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques (iEFT) and Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (iMMI) (BGOG-gyn1b/REMOTE).
Laura Tack, Lore Mertens, Marte Vandeweyer, Fien Florin, Emma Pauwels, Thaïs Baert, Tom Boterberg, Christel Fontaine, Kurt Geldhof, Caroline Lamot, Christine Langenaeken, Jeroen Mebis, Laure-Anne Teuwen, Katherine Vandenborre, Heidi Van den Bulck, Florence Van Ryckeghem, Mohammad Najlah, Patricia Schofield, Philip R Debruyne
Brain Sciences August 22, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15090900 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 339 |
| Population | Cancer survivors with fear of cancer recurrence |
| Interventions | internet-based emotional freedom techniques internet-based mindfulness meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Emotional freedom techniques Internet-based interventions Mindfulness meditation Cancer recurrence anxiety Fcr Post-cancer anxiety Health anxiety Online therapy Digital mental health E-health Web-based support Tele-interventions Mind-body therapies Complementary therapies Stress reduction techniques |
| Key findings | The trial aims to determine whether internet-based emotional freedom techniques or mindfulness meditation reduce fear of cancer recurrence compared to a wait-list control. |
Abstract
Approximately one-third of cancer survivors report a need for professional help to cope with Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR). In the REMOTE trial, we aim to investigate the efficacy of two internet-based mind-body techniques to address this currently unmet medical need. Cancer survivors, screened using the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), are randomly assigned to one of the three study groups: (1) internet-based emotional freedom techniques (iEFT) (n = 113), (2) an active control condition internet-based mindfulness meditation intervention (iMMI) (n = 113), or (3) a wait-list control group (WLC) (n = 113). The interventions iEFT and iMMI are conducted remotely using Microsoft Teams (Microsoft, Redmond, WA), and participants have access to an online platform via the MyNexuzHealth application (nexuzhealth NV, Hasselt, Belgium). The primary endpoint is the level of FCR. Secondary outcomes are emotional distress and quality of life (QoL). If iEFT and/or iMMI appear to be effective in reducing FCR, they could be readily implemented in clinical practice.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Effectiveness of a meditation-based stress reduction program in the treatment of anxiety disorders American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 1992
- Abstract PO5-11-09: Participants’ experience with an online mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for anxiety management in breast cancer survivors: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial Cancer Research May 2, 2024
- Targeting Depressive Symptoms in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors: The Pathways to Wellness Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation and Survivorship Education. Journal of Clinical Oncology November 1, 2021