# B.R.E.A.S.T. Study protocol: Benefits of R-TEP EMDR protocol in Addressing diStress and Trauma in breast cancer patients

## TL;DR

This study will test if the EMDR R-TEP protocol helps reduce psychological distress and trauma in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel application of the EMDR R-TEP protocol for psychological support in breast cancer patients.

## Key findings

- The study will assess the efficacy of EMDR R-TEP in reducing psychological distress and trauma symptoms.
- It will compare EMDR R-TEP with a psychoeducational intervention and treatment as usual.
- Results will be measured at multiple time points, including a 3-month follow-up.

## Abstract

Breast cancer diagnosis and surgical treatment can be experienced as traumatic events, triggering psychological distress including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic symptoms. The Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), an early EMDR intervention, has shown efficacy in reducing psychological symptomatology following recent traumatic events.

This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of the EMDR R-TEP protocol in primarily reducing psychological distress and post-traumatic symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery, with secondary focus on emotion regulation, hopelessness, body image and global psychological symptomatology.

A prospective, longitudinal, single-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Breast Unit of ASST Rhodense (Milan, Italy). A minimum of 122 female patients, accounting for 20% attrition, with first breast cancer diagnosis scheduled for surgery will be randomized into three groups: treatment as usual (TAU), TAU plus psychoeducational intervention, and TAU plus EMDR R-TEP. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-surgery), post-surgery/pre-psychological intervention, post-psychological intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include the Psychological Distress Inventory-Revised and Post-Traumatic Symptom Questionnaire.

This protocol provides the methodological framework for generating evidence on EMDR R-TEP as an early psychological intervention for breast cancer patients.