Understanding the needs of siblings of children with cancer
Official title: Siblings to a Child With Cancer: Psychometric Evaluations of Instruments Assessing Siblings Needs and Pre-loss Grief
Run by Ersta Sköndal University College · NCT06854822 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the emotional struggles of siblings of kids with cancer to see how they feel and what support they need during this tough time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ersta Sköndal University College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06854822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are Swedish-speaking siblings aged 12-24 who have a brother or sister currently undergoing treatment for childhood cancer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have already lost their sibling to cancer will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the psychosocial needs and pre-loss grief experienced by siblings of children diagnosed with cancer. It focuses on identifying the emotional challenges these siblings face, including feelings of loneliness, fear of death, and unresolved grief. The study seeks to develop a standardized assessment tool in Swedish to better understand and address the needs of these often-overlooked children during their sibling's illness. By gathering data on their experiences, the study aims to inform better support strategies for this vulnerable group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved psychological support for siblings of children with cancer, enhancing their emotional well-being.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some progress in understanding the needs of siblings in similar contexts, this specific approach to developing a standardized assessment tool is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 12-24 years * Have a brother or sister with childhood cancer * Swedish speaking siblings Exclusion Criteria: -Bereaved siblings
Where it's running
-
Marie Cederschiöld Unicersity College
Stockholm, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Malin Lövgren, PhD — Marie Cederschiöld University
- Study coordinator: Malin Lövgren, PhD
- Email: malin.lovgren@mchs.se
- Phone: 0733302789
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Supporting siblings of kids with complex medical needs
This study tests a mental-health support model for siblings aged 10–17 of children with medical complexity.
-
Community-led, family-centered communication for Hispanic childhood cancer survivors
This study tests a family-focused communication approach to help young Hispanic adult survivors, their families, and clinicians talk more effectively about survivorship care.
-
Blood biomarkers for treatment-related brain injury in children with brain tumors
This project will test whether blood plasma biomarkers can show treatment-related brain injury in children with primary brain tumors by comparing those who receive radiotherapy, those who do not, and healthy children of the same age and sex.
-
Mindfulness program using loving‑kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity for healthcare professionals
This program will test whether a six-week online mindfulness course teaching loving‑kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity can reduce stress in full‑time physicians.
-
How body composition and psychosocial health relate to outcomes for people receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
This project will see if body composition, psychosocial health, and medication-related problems affect side effects, treatment response, and quality of life in adults with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
-
At-home light therapy for chemo-related nerve pain in childhood cancer survivors
This study tests whether a six-week at-home light therapy program can help childhood cancer survivors who have chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.