Exploring how creative arts can help children with cancer feel better
Official title: CREATe: Clinical Research Examining the Arts as Therapy in children with cancer
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11051128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how creative arts therapy can help make cancer treatment a little easier and more enjoyable for kids by listening to their thoughts and feelings, and it will compare this fun approach to just watching videos during treatment to see which one helps them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,041 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AT012497-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 8-13 years who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 8-13 years or those not currently receiving cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of creative arts therapy as a complementary treatment for children undergoing cancer treatment. It aims to develop a standardized intervention based on feedback from children with cancer, focusing on their experiences and preferences. The study will involve two phases: the first will refine the intervention through art focus groups, and the second will assess the feasibility of a trial comparing creative arts sessions to video watching during treatment. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms like anxiety and pain in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide children with cancer a new way to alleviate distress and improve their overall quality of life during treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that creative arts therapies can improve quality of life in both adults and children with cancer, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raybin, Jennifer L — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Raybin, Jennifer L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.