Understanding the psychosocial challenges faced by young cancer survivors
Psychosocial Risk in Young Survivors of Early Onset Pediatric Cancer: The Role of Physical and Neurocognitive Late Effects
This study is looking at how young kids who survived early cancer, especially those who had treatments that impacted their brains, deal with feelings of loneliness and trouble making friends, so we can find better ways to help them feel happier and more connected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11026345 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the psychosocial risks experienced by young survivors of early onset pediatric cancer, particularly focusing on those who have undergone treatments affecting the brain. It aims to understand how physical and neurocognitive late effects contribute to social isolation, emotional distress, and difficulties in forming friendships. By examining the residual deficits in social cognition, the study seeks to identify the underlying reasons for these challenges and develop targeted interventions to improve psychosocial outcomes for these children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young survivors of pediatric cancer, particularly those diagnosed before age 6 and who have received CNS-directed therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who were diagnosed with cancer after age 11 or those who have not undergone CNS-directed therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and interventions for young cancer survivors, enhancing their social interactions and emotional well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on adult survivors of pediatric cancer, this specific focus on young children and their unique psychosocial challenges is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, United States
- Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerhardt, Cynthia a — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Gerhardt, Cynthia a
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 below.