Art Therapy for Children with Cancer

Overseen By Julia Jordan

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Not English literate, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

72 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This clinical trial is being done to develop and test how well creative arts interventions (drawing, painting, making sculptures) compared to watching videos can affect symptoms and impact the quality of life in children with cancer. Creative arts mind-body interventions (CrA) are one type of complementary health interventions which have been associated with improved quality of life and reduced symptom burden among children with cancer. CrA is an ideal intervention for children with cancer due to the long hours spent in the hospital setting for treatments, the creativity and developmental focus of children, and their potential ability to communicate more easily through art than words. Researchers want to develop and test a CrA intervention to help improve symptoms and the quality of life of children with cancer.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Creative Arts Interventions for children with cancer?

Research shows that creative arts therapy, including painting and handcrafting, can improve the quality of life for children with cancer by reducing symptoms like nausea and improving mood. These therapies help children express their feelings and cope better with the challenges of cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is art therapy safe for children with cancer?

The research suggests that creative arts therapy is generally safe for children with cancer, as it focuses on improving quality of life and reducing distress without reported harmful effects. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

How is art therapy different from other treatments for children with cancer?

Art therapy is unique because it uses creative activities like painting and drawing to help children with cancer express their feelings, cope with treatment, and improve their quality of life. Unlike traditional medical treatments, it focuses on emotional and psychological well-being rather than directly targeting the cancer itself. ^{1 2 4 5 7}

Research Team

Jennifer L Raybin

Principal Investigator

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children with cancer who can participate in creative arts like drawing, painting, and sculpting. It aims to see if these activities improve their quality of life during hospital stays. Children must be able to engage in the art activities and complete surveys.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 8 and 13 years old.

I was diagnosed with cancer within the last year.

I can physically and mentally engage in creative activities.

Exclusion Criteria

Not English literate

Otherwise unable to complete study procedures

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase I: Focus Group

Patients participate in focus groups to develop CrA intervention on study

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Phase II: Treatment

Patients are randomized to either participate in CrA interventions or watch videos for 30 minutes once a week for 4 sessions over 12 weeks

12 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Creative Arts Interventions

Trial Overview The CREATe Trial is testing whether art therapy (drawing, painting, making sculptures) or watching videos helps reduce symptoms and improves the well-being of children with cancer. The study compares creative arts against media interventions through discussions and surveys.

Participant Groups

Group I: Phase II arm I (CrA) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Patients participate in CrA interventions comprising drawing, painting, and making sculptures with a trained artist for 30 minutes once a week for 4 sessions over 12 weeks.

Group II: Phase II arm II (watch videos) Active Control 2 Interventions

Patients passively watch videos for 30 minutes once a week for 4 sessions over 12 weeks.

Group III: Phase I (focus group) Active Control 2 Interventions

Patients participate in focus groups to develop CrA intervention on study.

Creative Arts Interventions is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Creative Arts Therapy for:

• Symptom management in pediatric cancer
• Improving quality of life in children with cancer

Approved in European Union as Art Therapy for:

• Supportive care in pediatric oncology
• Reducing anxiety and stress in children with cancer

Approved in Canada as Mind-Body Interventions for:

• Complementary therapy for pediatric cancer patients
• Enhancing coping mechanisms in children with cancer

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

239

Recruited

2,089,000+

Oregon Health and Science University

Collaborator

Trials

1,024

Recruited

7,420,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Recruited

677,000+

Findings from Research

Art therapy interventions, particularly those involving painting or drawing, have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with six out of seven quantitative studies reporting these improvements.

Additionally, art therapy has been associated with enhanced quality of life and positive effects on personal growth and coping mechanisms, although more rigorous, evidence-based studies are needed to further validate these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An overview of art therapy interventions for cancer patients and the results of research. Geue, K., Goetze, H., Buttstaedt, M., et al.[2010]

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]

The pilot study involving 16 children undergoing chemotherapy showed that creative arts therapy (CAT) significantly reduced reports of pain and nausea from parents, indicating its potential efficacy in improving quality of life during treatment.

Additionally, nonrandomized assessments revealed that CAT improved children's mood, making them feel more excited and happier while reducing feelings of nervousness, suggesting a positive emotional impact of the therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Creative arts therapy improves quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Madden, JR., Mowry, P., Gao, D., et al.[2022]

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]

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]

Creative art therapies, which include music, dance, and visual arts, effectively engage children who may be struggling emotionally or behaviorally, helping them express themselves in a fun and enjoyable way.

These therapies not only foster a sense of mastery through the creative process but also serve as a means to explore and communicate deeper feelings and concerns, making them a valuable tool in mental health treatment for children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Many ways to grow: creative art therapies. Stern, RS.[2019]

A metasynthesis of seven qualitative studies involving 162 children with cancer found that creative arts therapy can significantly improve quality of life by establishing connections through creative expression and facilitating coping mechanisms.

The analysis revealed four key themes: creative arts help in communication, provide a sense of continuity, and reduce distress, highlighting the importance of nurses advocating for these integrative therapies in pediatric oncology.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How Does Creative Arts Therapy Reduce Distress for Children With Cancer? A Metasynthesis of Extant Qualitative Literature [Formula: see text]. Raybin, JL., Barr, E., Krajicek, M., et al.[2020]

References

1. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An overview of art therapy interventions for cancer patients and the results of research. [2010]

2. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

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

Creative arts therapy improves quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. [2022]

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

Creative Arts Therapy in the Context of Children With Cancer: A Concept Analysis. [2020]

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

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

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

Many ways to grow: creative art therapies. [2019]

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

How Does Creative Arts Therapy Reduce Distress for Children With Cancer? A Metasynthesis of Extant Qualitative Literature [Formula: see text]. [2020]