Tel Aviv University Neuroimmunology Laboratory
Treatment to Prevent Cancer Recurrence
and Metastatic Disease
Breast cancer
Short-term psychological-behavioral treatment for breast cancer patients who have undergone surgery, to prevent cancer recurrence and the development of cancer metastases
The aim of the current study is to examine the effect of short-term psychological therapy to reduce stress around the time of surgery on the expression of psychological and physiological stress characteristics and pro-metastatic characteristics of the malignant tumor.
In addition, examine the long-term effects of the proposed treatment.
The range of psychological intervention is from three weeks before surgery to three weeks after.
The intervention includes 4-6 meetings with a psychologist and biweekly phone calls.
The study is double-blind. It is currently being conducted at the Belinson Medical Center in the Breast Health Center. In the near future, it will be expanded to additional medical centers.
More about the study
The psychological treatment provided within the study framework is a research-supported intervention that has been shown to reduce stress responses in patients. The intervention is delivered around the time of surgery by a trained psychologist. It includes learning relaxation techniques, managing distressing thoughts, and providing emotional support-tailored to the individual patient’s stress response and unique needs.
Who the research is intended for
-
Women scheduled for surgery to remove a malignant tumor from the breast, at stages 1-3, with no evidence of metastatic findings prior to surgery.
-
Age range between 20-80
Who the research is not intended for
-
Women undergoing surgery for non-curative purposes
-
Women with a diagnosis of DCIS
-
Pregnant women
-
Women who have received any cancer treatment in the last 10 years (neoadjuvant, hormonal, other).
-
Women with another malignant tumor besides breast cancer.
-
Women with known metastatic disease prior to surgery (Stage 4) (women with involved regional lymph nodes may participate in the study).
-
An active diagnosis given by a psychiatrist/psychologist of schizophrenia, suicidality, major depression, or panic disorder
-
Current use of antipsychotic medications
Medical centers where
The research is underway
-
Rabin Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tikva.
-
Principal Investigator: Dr. Eran Sharon.
-
Shamir Medical Center (Asaf Harofeh), Tzirifin
-
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tami Karni.
* Full eligibility testing for the study will be conducted at the medical center.
When you arrive at your next appointment with your doctor, ask him/her about joining the study!