Can retelling and deep breathing ease trauma in terminal cancer?
NCT ID NCT03652298
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This Phase 2 trial tested a neuroscience-based technique combining memory structuring and deep vagal breathing to reduce PTSD symptoms in people with advanced, incurable cancer and their partners. The study enrolled 19 patients who had just received a terminal diagnosis. The approach aimed to help them process the traumatic news by organizing memories and using paced breathing to calm the nervous system. The trial was terminated early, so firm conclusions cannot be drawn.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Memory structuring intervention plus vagal breathing
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug technique to reduce PTSD symptoms in people with advanced cancer.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 19 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if the approach is effective or safe in this setting.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Centre Oscar Lambret
Lille, France