Virtual art therapy to support re-integration for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
AVATARS: Adolescent and Young Adult Virtual Art Therapy Assisted Re-Integration During Cancer Survivorship
NA · Mayo Clinic · NCT07089927
This program tests whether virtual art therapy (AVATARS) can help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors reduce anxiety and depression and improve resilience, emotional regulation, stress coping, and cognition.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07089927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The AVATARS intervention delivers four 60-minute virtual art therapy sessions every 1–2 weeks to adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, followed by a 3D-printed replica of each participant's avatar and follow-up at 1 and 2 months. The trial measures feasibility, usability, and acceptability as primary outcomes and collects preliminary efficacy data on anxiety, depression, resilience, emotional regulation, stress, and cognition. Eligible participants are age 10–25, have at least mild depression (PHQ-A >5), were diagnosed within the past year or completed treatment within the past five years, and have access to a videoconferencing-capable device. Sessions are delivered remotely through videoconference via Mayo Clinic sites in Arizona and Rochester.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking AYA cancer survivors aged 10–25 with at least mild depression (PHQ-A >5), diagnosed within the past year or who finished treatment within five years, and who can participate in videoconference sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with severe suicidality, major visual or cognitive impairments that prevent art participation, inability to use a videoconferencing device, or lack of English proficiency are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, AVATARS could reduce anxiety and depression and improve emotional regulation and resilience for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional art therapy has shown modest psychosocial benefits in cancer survivors, but avatar-assisted virtual art therapy with 3D-printed replicas is a novel approach with limited prior data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * If young adult- aged 18-25 years of age at the time of enrollment and able to provide informed consent, if adolescent- aged 10-17 years at the time of enrollment and able to provide * Mild or greater depression \[Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-A) score \> 5\] * Received a cancer diagnosis during the past year, or completed cancer treatment within the past five years (extended survivorship) * Have access to an electronic device which supports virtual videoconferencing (e.g., personal device or public library access) * Able to read and write in English Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or cognitive impairment which may impede completing the art project or the data collection measures * Endorsed suicidality (via PHQ-A or otherwise)
Where this trial is running
Scottsdale, Arizona and 1 other locations
- Mayo Clinic in Arizona — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)
- Mayo Clinic in Rochester — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: C. Robert Bennett, PhD, RN — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Regina Becker
- Email: Becker.regina@mayo.edu
- Phone: 480-342-6079
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Malignant Solid Neoplasm, Hematopoietic and Lymphatic System Neoplasm