Therapeutic play to help children with cancer manage pain and emotions

Therapeutic Play on Pain Tolerance and Emotion Regulation in Children Receiving Chemotherapy

Not applicable Interventional Ataturk University · NCT06368947

This study is testing if special play sessions can help children with leukemia manage their pain and emotions better while they go through chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAtaturk University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Erzurum, Erzurum)
Trial IDNCT06368947 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research involves a randomized controlled experimental study focusing on children aged 10-18 diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are undergoing chemotherapy. The study will take place at the Children's Hematology Clinic of Adana City Training and Research Hospital over a 4-week period, where participants will engage in therapeutic play sessions designed to improve pain tolerance and emotion regulation. Each child will receive a personalized play bag, and sessions will occur twice a week for a maximum of 60 minutes. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in enhancing the psychological well-being of young cancer patients during treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 10-18 diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are currently receiving chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 10 or older than 18, or those not receiving chemotherapy, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and emotional resilience in children undergoing cancer treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of therapeutic play in this context may be novel, similar interventions have shown promise in improving emotional and psychological outcomes in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 10-18
* Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
* Those receiving chemotherapy treatment
* Children who do not have a chronic disease other than the diagnosis of the disease in question

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 10 years of age or over 18 years of age
* Diagnosed other than acute lymphoblastic leukemia
* Not receiving chemotherapy treatment
* Children with chronic diseases other than the diagnosis of the disease in question

Where this trial is running

Erzurum, Erzurum

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 Cancer
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.