Online program to support caregivers of young childhood cancer survivors

Digital Health Intervention to Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Young Childhood Cancer Survivors in Underserved Communities

Not applicable Interventional Nationwide Children's Hospital · NCT06769334

This study is testing an online program to see if it can help caregivers of young childhood cancer survivors feel less stressed and better prepare their kids for school.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorNationwide Children's Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06769334 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to test and enhance an online program called Preparing for Life and Academics for Young survivors (PLAY) designed for caregivers of young childhood cancer survivors. The program was developed in collaboration with caregivers and healthcare providers to improve positive parenting behaviors, reduce caregiver stress, and prepare children for school. The study will involve rapid-cycle testing with families to assess the program's usability, feasibility, and acceptability, with the goal of refining it based on caregiver feedback. Investigators will evaluate caregiver participation and satisfaction before and after the program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are caregivers of childhood cancer survivors aged 3 to 6.5 years who have completed treatment or are on maintenance therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with documented neurodevelopmental disorders prior to their cancer diagnosis or those who did not receive any cancer treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the well-being of caregivers and enhance the school readiness of young childhood cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar caregiver support programs, indicating potential for positive outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For the caregiver:

* Caregiver is the legal guardian of the child (e.g., mothers, fathers, grandparents, adoptive parents)
* Caregiver lives with the child more than 50% of the time
* Caregiver primary language is English
* Caregiver lives within 150 miles of Nationwide Children's Hospital

For the childhood cancer survivor:

* Received treatment for their cancer (e.g., chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiation therapy)
* Completed cancer treatment or on maintenance therapy only, without evidence of recurrent disease
* Childhood cancer survivor is currently between the ages of 3 years old to 6 years old, but no older than 6.5 years old at study enrollment

Exclusion Criteria for the childhood cancer survivor:

* Has a documented neurodevelopmental disorder prior to their cancer diagnosis (e.g., neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Down's syndrome, autism)
* Did not receive any treatment for their cancer (e.g., chemotherapy, surgical resection, radiation)
* Treated for a benign tumor

For the teacher:

Classroom or daycare teacher of the childhood cancer survivor

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 Childhood Cancerpositive parentingdevelopmentschool readinessdigital healthcaregiver stressschool advocacy
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.