Digital Art Therapy for Young Cancer Survivors

Overseen By Patricia Brock

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Disqualifiers: Lack interest in art, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 weeks

15 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to determine whether a digital art therapy app can effectively help young adult cancer survivors improve their mental health. Participants will use the ARTCan App for six weeks, engaging in art therapy activities and tracking their mental health through weekly surveys. The study seeks to determine if this app is a feasible and acceptable way for individuals with mood issues to benefit from art therapy. Ideal candidates are young adults who have survived childhood cancer, experience mood issues, and are comfortable using technology for art and surveys. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance mental health support for cancer survivors.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on digital art therapy, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that the ARTCan App is safe for young adult cancer survivors?

In a previous study, researchers used the ARTCan Therapy App to offer digital art therapy to young cancer survivors. This app guided participants through a six-week program with weekly art activities. Research has shown that this method is well-received, with no reports of harm or safety issues. Art therapy is generally safe because it emphasizes creative expression rather than physical treatments. The digital nature of the ARTCan App enhances convenience and accessibility without introducing new risks. Overall, evidence suggests that this app safely supports the mental health of young cancer survivors through art therapy. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Digital art therapy via the ARTCan App is unique because it leverages technology to provide creative expression as a form of mental health support for young cancer survivors. Unlike traditional therapy sessions that require physical attendance, this app allows participants to engage in art therapy from anywhere, offering greater accessibility and convenience. Researchers are excited about this approach because it combines digital innovation with therapeutic art, potentially enhancing mental health outcomes by making therapy more engaging and tailored to individual needs.

What evidence suggests that the ARTCan App is effective for young cancer survivors?

Research has shown that digital art therapy, such as the ARTCan App, can improve mood and mental health in young adult cancer survivors. In this trial, participants will engage in art therapy through the ARTCan App for 6 weeks. The app provides a program that encourages creative expression, which is linked to emotional well-being. Users of similar digital art therapy tools have reported an improved quality of life, particularly in managing mood issues. The ARTCan App is a self-guided tool, making art therapy more accessible and allowing users to participate in activities at their convenience. Early evidence suggests this method can be a valuable support for young cancer survivors facing emotional challenges. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Soma Sengupta, MD

Principal Investigator

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adult cancer survivors who have had a brain tumor or pediatric cancer. They should be interested in using digital art therapy and willing to complete weekly mental health surveys.

Inclusion Criteria

Reliable internet connection and access to a computer, smartphone, or iPad to support application and virtual study visits

Answers 'yes' to the question 'Do you experience mood issues (yes or no)?'

I had cancer as a child and have finished my treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

Other conditions or factors which in the opinion of the PI would not make the patient a good candidate for the study

I am unable to give consent by myself.

All subjects meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive digital art therapy via the ARTCan App for 6 weeks, with weekly art therapy prompts and mental health quality of life surveys

6 weeks

Weekly virtual sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ARTCan App

Trial Overview The ARTCan Therapy App, which guides participants through a 6-week digital art therapy program, is being tested for its feasibility and acceptability as an art therapy tool for these survivors.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Digital Art Therapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will receive art therapy via the ARTCan App for 6 weeks, and will also be prompted to complete mental health quality of life surveys at baseline and each week, which will be available for the therapist to review.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

377

Recruited

95,900+

Ian's Friends Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Art interventions may help improve the well-being of children with cancer by reducing anxiety, fear, and pain, as well as enhancing communication with healthcare providers, based on a review of six studies involving children aged 2-21 undergoing treatment.

The evidence is still limited and primarily qualitative, indicating a need for more rigorous research before art therapy can be routinely included in cancer treatment protocols for children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promotion of Well-being During Treatment for Childhood Cancer: A Literature Review of Art Interventions as a Coping Strategy. Derman, YE., Deatrick, JA.[2021]

A study involving 60 children aged 7-13 with cancer showed that those who participated in painting and handcrafting art therapy experienced significant improvements in physical activity, emotional well-being, and social engagement compared to a control group.

The art therapy led to better overall health status and reduced feelings of depression and stress, indicating that creative activities can enhance the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of group art therapy on quality of life in paediatric patients with cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Abdulah, DM., Abdulla, BMO.[2019]

Creative arts therapy (CAT) is defined as a therapeutic approach that uses creative expression to help children with cancer, showing potential benefits in improving their quality of life and reducing psychosocial symptoms.

The analysis indicates that CAT can lead to significant positive outcomes, such as decreased distress and cancer pain, highlighting its importance in pediatric oncology care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Creative Arts Therapy in the Context of Children With Cancer: A Concept Analysis. Raybin, JL., Krajicek, M.[2020]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06789666

Digital Art Therapy for Young Cancer Survivors The ARTCan Therapy App guides participants through a 6-week digital art therapy program. Subjects will participate in weekly art therapy prompts guided by the ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/digital-art-therapy-for-young-cancer-survivors-4945c

Digital Art Therapy for Young Cancer Survivors The ARTCan App offers a unique digital art therapy experience specifically designed for young cancer survivors, focusing on creative expression to improve ...

3. trials.teamjackfoundation.org trials.teamjackfoundation.org/trials/NCT06789666

Digital Art Therapy for Young Cancer Survivors - Team Jack ... The ARTCan Therapy App guides participants through a 6-week digital art therapy program. Subjects will participate in weekly art therapy prompts guided by the ...

4. uc.edu uc.edu/news/articles/2025/02/digital-art-therapy-application-designed-to-improve-mood-in-aya-brain-cancer-survivors.html

Digital art therapy application designed to improve mood in ... The study will use established metrics to determine if the newly designed application, ArtCAN Teens, has a positive impact on the young adult ...

5. cancer.gov cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2025-00663

A Self-Guided Digital Art Therapy Application (ARTCan ... ARTCan, a self-guided web-based art therapy app, may be an acceptable way to provide art therapy and improve the quality of life of young cancer survivors.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9641049/

Art and digital technologies to support resilience during the ... Digital technologies can be useful in welcoming patients using the beauty of art. Cancer patients typically need to be supported in their treatment pathway.