Research focuses on enhancing patient and family well-being
At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we understand that cancer affects more than the body. That’s why our care goes beyond medical treatment. We provide comprehensive support for your child’s physical, emotional and mental well-being, helping children and families maintain strength, resilience and quality of life throughout their journey.
Our Childhood and Oncology Psychosocial Evidence-Based (COPE) Research Program explores ways to help children and families cope with stress, anxiety and the challenges that come with treatment. At the same time, our PRO-ACTIVE Research Program looks at how physical activity can enhance both physical and mental health, promoting energy, autonomy and strength throughout the cancer continuum.
COPE Research Program makes cancer care more supportive
Our Childhood and Oncology Psychosocial Evidence-Based (COPE) Research Program focuses on improving the emotional well-being and quality of life of children with cancer and their families. We develop research to better understand what children and parents go through during treatments and how we can better support them every step of the way, from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care. Working closely with families and the care team, we create tools and strategies that make cancer care more supportive, compassionate and family-centered. Whether it’s helping reduce stress during painful procedures or learning more about how to support families making tough decisions about treatment options, our goal is to ensure that psychosocial care is an essential part of every child’s cancer journey.
For more information, contact:
Ariane Levesque, PhD
Assistant Professor, Research Psychologist
Department of Pediatrics, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics
717-531-0003, x289646
[email protected]
PRO-ACTIVE Research explores connection between physical activity and patient outcomes
Our PRO-ACTIVE Research Program shows that physical activity is a vital part of cancer care for children, teens and young adults. Using evidence-based medicine, the program studies how being more active every day can improve physical function and strength, autonomy and overall well-being, while also helping reduce treatment-related side effects – from diagnosis through survivorship. Starting physical activity early has been shown to improve both short- and long-term outcomes reported by patients.
Our research also looks at how cancer treatments affect childhood cancer survivors’ physical and mental health, with a growing focus on heart health and prevention, especially from chemotherapy. In addition, we’re exploring how physical activity affects the body at a molecular level, including changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) – tiny molecules that control which genes are active – to better understand how physical activity supports recovery and long-term health.
For more information, contact:
Maxime Caru, PhD
Assistant Professor, Exercise Physiologist and Research Psychologist
Department of Pediatrics, Department of Public Health Sciences
Director of the Oncology, Nutrition and Exercise (ONE) Group, Penn State College of Medicine
[email protected]
Highlights
Dr. Maxime Caru, director of the ONE Group at Penn State College of Medicine, tells how exercise helps children with cancer.
FAQs
What is supportive care research?
Supportive care research focuses on finding ways to improve the quality of life, well-being and everyday functioning of children and families affected by pediatric cancer. In our programs, this includes studying physical activity, emotional health, coping strategies and ways to reduce stress and pain. Our goal is to better support families and patients, beyond medical treatment alone.
What is the difference between these programs and social/emotional programming?
While social and emotional programs, like art therapy and child life are designed to provide immediate support, our research programs aim to study and evaluate these types of activities, or new ones, to understand what works best, for whom and why. By participating in these research programs, you’re helping build the science behind supportive care so future programs can be even more effective.
How do these programs benefit my family?
Our research programs are designed with children and families in mind. Many families tell us they enjoy participating in meaningful and enjoyable activities, such as movement-based games and guided relaxation, while also contributing to research. These programs can offer tools and strategies to help manage stress, promote emotional resilience and support healthy routines during and after treatments.
Why should I or my child participate in these programs?
Participating gives your family access to supportive, evidence-based activities that may help with coping, mood, energy or stress. Your involvement also helps researchers develop better care for other children and families in the future. It’s a way to both benefit from and contribute to supportive care.
Would my child’s doctor recommend these programs?
Our research programs are developed in close collaboration with pediatric health care providers and are designed to work alongside your child’s medical care. We regularly share updates with care teams so they’re aware of what’s available and how these programs may support their patients' well-being.
How can I get involved with these programs?
We welcome children and families interested in learning more. You can ask your care team about current opportunities or contact our research team directly through the information on this page. We’ll walk you through what’s involved, answer any questions and help you decide if it’s the right fit for you or your child.
