Art Therapy for Children with Cancer

Overseen By Mia Nolting

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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests how creative arts activities, such as drawing, painting, and making sculptures, can improve the quality of life for children with cancer. Researchers compare these Creative Arts Interventions to simply watching videos to determine which better alleviates symptoms and enhances daily well-being. The trial targets children aged 8 to 13 who received a cancer diagnosis within the past year and can participate in art activities. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for children to explore creative expression while potentially enhancing their well-being.

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 prior data suggests that creative arts interventions are safe for children with cancer?

Research shows that activities like drawing and painting are safe and beneficial for children with cancer. Studies have found these activities help reduce anxiety over time. No reports of harmful effects suggest they are well-tolerated.

Creative arts therapies have also been linked to improved quality of life and symptom relief in these children. However, the effectiveness can vary. Overall, these findings provide a reassuring picture of safety for children participating in creative arts activities. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about creative arts interventions for children with cancer because they offer a unique, non-pharmacological approach to support emotional well-being. Unlike standard treatments that focus on medication and physical symptoms, these interventions engage kids in activities like drawing, painting, and sculpture, providing an outlet for expression and stress relief. This approach is particularly appealing because it can be integrated alongside traditional treatments without adding any medical burden. Additionally, watching videos, used as a comparator, offers a passive yet potentially comforting way for children to engage, providing insights into how different forms of media can impact emotional health. Overall, this trial aims to explore how creativity can play a crucial role in holistic cancer care for young patients.

What evidence suggests that creative arts interventions could be effective for children with cancer?

Research has shown that creative activities like drawing and painting can help children with cancer feel less anxious and depressed. These activities improve mental well-being, which is crucial for kids facing such difficult situations. In this trial, some participants will engage in Creative Arts (CrA) interventions, including drawing, painting, and making sculptures with a trained artist. One study found that art therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression in young cancer patients. Another review highlighted that these activities can improve quality of life by helping children express their feelings and better handle their treatment experiences. Overall, creative arts therapy appears promising for supporting children during their cancer journey. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jennifer L Raybin

Principal Investigator

OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

Be English literate (criteria will be amended when the study surveys are validated in Spanish)

Exclusion Criteria

Not English literate

Otherwise unable to complete study procedures

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36624566/

Creative Arts Therapy Among Children With Cancer Conclusion: Creative arts interventions were associated with a longitudinal improvement in anxiety in children with cancer. Further work is ...

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1570798/full

Effectiveness of creative arts therapies/expressive arts ... This umbrella review will evaluate the effectiveness of creative arts therapies (CAT)—encompassing art, drama, dance/movement, and music ...

3. bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-025-04866-2

Effects of art therapy on psychological outcomes among ... Our meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in anxiety, depression among pediatric cancer patients. Narrative findings ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04208243

Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) in the Center for Cancer and ... The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) on pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy in the Infusion ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/360200345_Quality_of_Life_Outcomes_With_Creative_Arts_Therapy_in_Children_With_Cancer

Quality of Life Outcomes With Creative Arts Therapy in ... Conclusion: Creative arts interventions were associated with a longitudinal improvement in anxiety in children with cancer. Further work is needed to target ...

6. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10867171

raybin, jennifer l - NIH RePORTER This research has the potential to promote the integration of creative arts into conventional cancer care for children and transform the future of symptom ...

7. ohsu.elsevierpure.com ohsu.elsevierpure.com/en/publications/creative-arts-therapy-among-children-with-cancer-symptom-assessme

Creative Arts Therapy Among Children With Cancer Creative arts therapy (CAT) has been related to improved QOL and symptoms in pediatric oncology, but the quality of evidence is mixed.