CHEF Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors

(CHEF Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Rahela Aziz-Bose, MD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Surgery only, Embassy-pay, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

17 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the CHEF Intervention Program treatment for childhood cancer survivors?

Research shows that nutritional counseling and cooking workshops can help childhood cancer survivors improve their eating habits, which is important because many survivors do not meet recommended dietary guidelines. Programs like NOURISH-T+ have shown promise in helping survivors manage weight and improve dietary behaviors, suggesting that similar interventions like the CHEF Program could be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the CHEF Program for Childhood Cancer Survivors safe for participants?

The available research on cooking and nutrition programs for childhood cancer survivors does not report any safety concerns, suggesting these interventions are generally safe for participants. ^{2 3 6 7 8}

How is the CHEF Intervention Program treatment different from other treatments for childhood cancer survivors?

The CHEF Intervention Program is unique because it focuses on teaching childhood cancer survivors healthy cooking and nutrition skills, which can improve their dietary habits and overall health. Unlike traditional medical treatments, this program uses cooking classes to encourage healthy eating behaviors, addressing the specific nutritional needs and challenges faced by survivors. ^{2 3 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of the Cardiovascular Health Equity Through Food (CHEF) program is to make it easier for participants and families to cook and eat healthy foods during and following childhood cancer treatment with the long-term goal of supporting heart health.

Research Team

Rahela Aziz-Bose, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for childhood cancer survivors. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants would need to be in a stable condition and have completed their cancer treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

Parent/guardian screened positive for food insecurity. Assessed through validated 2-item food insecurity screen.

My child has cancer and has been treated with chemotherapy or radiation.

My child is within 12 months post-chemotherapy or post-radiation treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

Foreign national family receiving cancer care as an embassy-pay patient.

I have only had surgery or been monitored for my cancer.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete a baseline visit and survey, and meet with a certified benefits counselor

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Intervention

Participants receive kitchen equipment, weekly meal kit deliveries, monthly grocery support, and a second meeting with a benefits counselor

6 months

Weekly meal kit deliveries, monthly grocery support

Follow-up

Participants complete a final survey and interview with study staff to assess outcomes

1 week

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• CHEF Intervention Program

Trial Overview The CHEF Intervention Program is being tested. It's designed to help children who've survived cancer and their families learn how to prepare and eat heart-healthy meals.

Participant Groups

Group I: CHEF Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Enrolled participants and caregivers will complete: * Baseline visit and survey * Meeting with a certified benefits counselor by phone or video teleconference * Kitchen equipment delivery * Weekly meal kit deliveries * Monthly grocery support via gift card * Second meeting with a certified benefits counselor * 3-month survey * Final survey and interview with study staff

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

Findings from Research

Nutritional status during cancer treatment significantly affects treatment-related toxicities and outcomes in children and adolescents, with lasting impacts into survivorship.

Many childhood cancer survivors do not meet recommended dietary guidelines, which may lead to negative nutrition-related health outcomes, highlighting the need for further research to inform clinical trials.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Counseling in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: An Essential Component of Survivorship Care. Ladas, EJ.[2020]

The NOURISH-T+ intervention aims to address the high rates of overweight and obesity among pediatric cancer survivors by providing a comprehensive 6-session program for parents, which includes dietary guidance and physical activity support, targeting children aged 5-12 who are at least 6 months off treatment.

This larger randomized control trial will involve 260 parent-child pairs from four pediatric oncology clinics, assessing the intervention's effectiveness on children's BMI, physical activity, and dietary behaviors over 12 months, compared to a standard care approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A cluster-randomized control trial targeting parents of pediatric cancer survivors with obesity: Rationale and study protocol of NOURISH-T. Stern, M., Gray, HL., Ruble, K., et al.[2022]

A new dataset has been developed to standardize the follow-up of childhood cancer survivors, focusing on the late effects of pediatric oncology treatments, through collaboration among multiple medical institutions in the Netherlands.

The PLEKsys computerized documentation system will be implemented across all Dutch pediatric oncology centers to facilitate the collection and evaluation of data on late effects, supporting the establishment of a National Pediatric Oncology Follow-up Registry.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The development of a new information model for a pediatric cancer registry on late treatment sequelae in The Netherlands. Jaspers, MW., Caron, H., Behrendt, H., et al.[2004]

The Flint Kids Cook program, a 6-week chef-led initiative, effectively improved children's and adolescents' food acceptance, dietary habits, and cooking confidence, as reported by 72 participants in focus groups.

Key factors for the program's success included its location in a farmers' market kitchen and the involvement of an experienced chef, highlighting the importance of engaging environments and skilled facilitators in nutrition education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family Perceptions of a Cooking and Nutrition Program for Low-Income Children and Adolescents. Saxe-Custack, A., Goldsworthy, M., Lofton, HC., et al.[2021]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Counseling in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: An Essential Component of Survivorship Care. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutrition education and cooking workshops for families of children with cancer: a feasibility study. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Healthy cooking classes at a children's cancer hospital and patient/survivor summer camps: initial reactions and feasibility. [2023]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Early Nutritional Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Pediatric Oncology: A Feasibility Study. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A cluster-randomized control trial targeting parents of pediatric cancer survivors with obesity: Rationale and study protocol of NOURISH-T. [2022]

6. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The development of a new information model for a pediatric cancer registry on late treatment sequelae in The Netherlands. [2004]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Healthy Cooking Index does not Predict the Carotenoid Content of Home-Cooked Meals. [2020]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meal planning values impacted by the cancer experience in families with school-aged survivors-a qualitative exploration and recommendations for intervention development. [2021]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Family Perceptions of a Cooking and Nutrition Program for Low-Income Children and Adolescents. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional concerns of survivors of childhood cancer: A "First World" perspective. [2020]