Digital art therapy for young cancer survivors

Feasibility of a Digital Art Therapy Application Designed to Improve Quality of Life in Young Cancer Survivors

Not applicable Interventional UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06789666

This study tests if a new digital art therapy program can help young adult cancer survivors improve their mental health and well-being over six weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06789666 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the feasibility of the ARTCan Therapy Application, which guides young adult cancer survivors through a 6-week digital art therapy program. Participants will engage in weekly art therapy prompts and complete mental health quality of life surveys throughout the intervention. The study aims to determine if this digital approach is an acceptable and effective means of providing art therapy to this population. It is a collaboration between the University of Cincinnati and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, focusing on innovative treatment strategies for cancer survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-25 who are childhood cancer survivors and experience mood issues.

Not a fit: Patients who lack interest in art or do not experience mood issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the mental health and quality of life for young adult cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital art therapy is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving mental health outcomes for cancer survivors.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

In order to participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below.

* Written informed assent and parental consent obtained to participate in the study and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information.
* Subject is willing and able to comply with study procedures based on the judgment of the investigator.
* Age 18-25 years at the time of consent.
* Childhood cancer survivor, defined as having cancer between birth 17 years of age and who has completed cancer treatment.
* Reliable internet connection and access to a computer, smartphone, or iPad to support application and virtual study visits.
* Answers "yes" to the question "Do you experience mood issues (yes or no)?".

Exclusion Criteria:

* All subjects meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation.
* Patients who lack interest in art. Screening question: Are you open to making art on a scale from 1-5 (1 being not at all, and 5 being very much; must score 3 or higher).
* Subjects who lack basic technology skills (Screening question: On a scale of 1-5 (1 being uncomfortable, and 5 being very comfortable), how would you rate your comfort using websites. Must score 3 or higher).
* Subjects unable to provide consent.
* Other conditions or factors which in the opinion of the Pl would not make the patient a good candidate for the study.

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CancerPediatric CancerPediatric MalignanciesPediatric Sarcoma of Soft TissueAdolescent and Young Adult With Brain Cancertherapyartmental health quality of life
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.