Social connections and quality of life for kids who survived brain cancer
Official title: Social Connectedness in Pediatric Brain Cancer Survivors
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11473996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project follows pediatric brain cancer survivors as they grow into adults to understand how their social connections affect their happiness and mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $547,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA256889-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11473996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents who survived pediatric brain tumors (both malignant and non-malignant) and are transitioning into adulthood.
✕Less likely to help
Survivors who do not experience social connectedness difficulties or who are not pursuing long-term follow-up may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The study looks at how friendships, social networks, and feeling connected influence health-related quality of life and psychological health in those who survived pediatric brain tumors. It will examine factors like age at diagnosis and treatment-related effects to see how they shape social development over time. By comparing survivors of malignant brain tumors with those who had non-malignant brain tumors, researchers aim to identify mechanisms that influence social connectedness and well-being. The findings could guide future interventions to improve social functioning and long-term quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform interventions to enhance social connections and overall well-being for pediatric brain tumor survivors as they transition into adulthood.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests social connectedness affects quality of life, but this project seeks to clarify mechanisms in pediatric brain tumor survivors and is building on prior observations.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hocking, Matthew C. — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Hocking, Matthew C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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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.