PAINBDY1: Treating Pain in Children with Cancer: Pain Buddy

Brief Summary

This study will examine the feasibility of using an electronic diary to document pain, symptoms and quality of life in children receiving outpatient chemotherapy for cancer.

Studies suggest computer-based decision-support has a positive impact on symptom management. In this trial, parents and patients will use a mobile app called Pain Buddy to track the prevalence and intensity of daily pain and other symptoms. Health care teams will use this data to develop appropriate psychosocial interventions to improve patients’ quality of life.

Primary Objective

To quantify the prevalence and intensity of daily pain episodes and other distressing physical and psychosocial symptoms in children receiving cancer treatment

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion criteria include:

• 8 to 18 years old
• Within 16 weeks of initial cancer diagnosis
• Currently undergoing outpatient chemotherapy treatment for cancer
• Have experienced a pain score of 30 or greater on a visual analog scale in the past month
• Can speak, read and write English. Parents can speak, read and write in English and Spanish
• Have Internet access to use Pain Buddy on mobile device

Exclusion Criteria include:

• Cognitive impairment
• Diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)

Study Sites

• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
• Collaborating sites in the U.S.

About this study

This is a study to help us understand how often children have pain and symptoms during cancer treatment. We also want to find out the best ways to manage those symptoms.

Studies have shown that computers, smart phones and other types of technology can help patients manage pain and symptoms.

In this study, you will download an app called Pain Buddy. This app asks questions about quality of life, pain and other symptoms. Doctors will use the information to help treat these symptoms.

You or your child may not benefit from participating in this study. However, what we learn from the study may benefit other patients in the future.

Purpose of this clinical trial

The main goal of this research study is to help us learn how to better treat pain and symptoms in children going through chemotherapy cancer treatment.

Eligibility overview

• 8 to 18 years old
• Within 16 weeks of initial cancer diagnosis
• Currently undergoing outpatient treatment for cancer
• Speak, read and write English. Parents who can speak, read, and write in English and Spanish.
• Have Internet access