Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 15 to 25

Writing exercises for young cancer patients

Official title: ChronCan (Chronicling Cancer): Piloting a Novel Writing Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Run by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NCT05975333 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if writing about their cancer experiences can help young patients aged 15-25 feel better and improve their well-being.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages15 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
Enrollment26 (estimated)
SponsorSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Memphis, Tennessee)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 2, 2023
Main results expectedMay 17, 2024
Study endsJuly 2027
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT05975333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults aged 15-25 who are currently receiving cancer-directed therapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not meet the age or treatment criteria, or those whose parents have not participated in the study, may not benefit from this intervention.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study explores the feasibility and acceptability of a writing-based narrative medicine intervention for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Participants aged 15-25 will engage in writing about their cancer experiences, guided by an expert writer. They will have the option to meet with the writer for support over a two-month period and will share their thoughts on the experience through informal interviews conducted at various intervals. The study aims to assess whether creative writing can enhance the well-being of young cancer patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide emotional support and improve the well-being of young cancer patients through creative expression.

How similar studies have gone: While few studies have specifically examined writing interventions for young cancer patients, narrative medicine approaches have shown promise in other populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 15-25
* Currently receiving cancer-directed therapy
* Active patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
* Parent of a ChronCan participant who has passed away

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not meet the inclusion criteria
* If the parents have not responded or not interviewed till July 31, 2027.

Where it's running

  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
    Memphis, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.