Clinical Research Directory

Parent-Child Mandala Painting During Chemotherapy

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of a parent-child mandala painting intervention conducted during the chemotherapy process on caregiver burden, psychological well-being, and child fear and pain levels in pediatric oncology patients. Childhood cancer and its treatment are highly stressful experiences for both children and their parents. Chemotherapy-related side effects such as pain, fear, and emotional distress may negatively affect children's psychological well-being and treatment adaptation. Parents, as primary caregivers, often experience increased emotional burden, anxiety, and stress during this process. The intervention consists of a structured parent-child mandala painting activity delivered over a two-week period, with six sessions in total, each lasting 30 minutes. Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives the mandala painting activity in addition to routine care, or the control group, which receives routine nursing care alone. Outcome measures include child fear and pain levels assessed using validated pediatric scales, as well as caregiver burden and psychological distress measured through standardized questionnaires. Assessments are conducted at baseline and after completion of the two-week intervention period. This study seeks to contribute evidence on the use of creative, non-pharmacological interventions to support emotional well-being in children undergoing chemotherapy and their caregivers.

Assessing and Addressing Health-Related Social Needs Among Families of Children With Cancer

The purpose of this study is to design Community Enhancing Resources for Childhood cAncer support (CERCA) and refine intervention procedures to target Health-related Social Needs (HRSN) in families of children with cancer. CERCA will leverage existing community resources and create partnerships that will lead to sustainable outcomes. The hypothesis is that through context-driven co-design and community-engaged research methods, the study team will develop an acceptable intervention to target unmet HRSN in families of children with cancer.

Examination of the Relationship Between Quality of Life and Caregiving Burden Among Caregivers of Pediatric Oncology Patients

Primary Aim The primary aim of this study is to determine the quality of life and caregiving burden levels of caregivers of pediatric oncology patients and to examine the relationship between these two variables. Secondary Aims To evaluate the differences between caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, marital status, income level, etc.) and their quality of life. To examine the differences between caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics and their caregiving burden levels. To determine whether caregivers' quality of life and caregiving burden differ according to the diagnosis and treatment characteristics of pediatric oncology patients (duration of diagnosis, type of treatment, frequency of hospitalization, etc.). Significance of the Study Childhood cancer is a process that deeply affects not only the patient but also the family, particularly the caregivers. Family members who provide care for children often face intense physical, psychological, social, and economic burdens. These challenges reduce caregivers' quality of life and increase their caregiving burden. Identifying the relationship between the quality of life and caregiving burden among caregivers of pediatric oncology patients is highly important in planning support services for families during the care process and in strengthening family-centered care practices by healthcare professionals. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of family-centered approaches in nursing care, the design of psychosocial support programs, and a better understanding of caregivers' needs.

CAYA Cancer Retrospective Cohort Study

Despite advances in cancer treatment, significant disparities in outcomes persist between high-income countries (HICs) and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Around 80% of children with cancer live in LMICs, where they face challenges such as delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, comorbidities, distance to treatment, financial barriers, and limited access to risk-adapted therapies. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL)/lymphoblastic lymphoma(LBL), for example, is one of the greatest success stories in pediatric oncology, however, such improvements are not evenly distributed worldwide, and the outcomes for leukemia patients are poorer in LMICs compared to HICs, primarily due to reduced access to quality healthcare. This study aims to assess cancer treatment outcomes in LMICs, focusing on acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma. The findings will inform future studies to implement evidence-based interventions that improve care quality and reduce treatment failures through targeted strategies.