Pediatric Oncology Branch Behavioral Science Core

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The BHC conducts impactful research and provides specialized evidence-based therapy to tackle unmet needs and improve the quality of life of children and young adults with cancer and other medical conditions. These critical contributions include supporting medical protocols to assess longitudinal impacts of health conditions and treatments on neurocognitive, physical, emotional, and behavioral functioning. More specifically, the BHC leads the field in the innovative assessment of symptoms (e.g., pain), functioning, and quality of life using cutting edge digital assessments (e.g., ecological momentary assessment, mobile apps), patient reported outcome (PRO) measures, and neurocognitive testing in clinical trials to identify and monitor neurotoxicity and clinical benefit, particularly in studies of novel therapies for children and young adults with cancers, neurofibromatosis type 1, and chronic graft-versus-host disease. Additionally, the BHC conducts their own research protocols to develop and evaluate novel assessment tools and behavioral health interventions to advance outcome measurement in pediatric clinical trials and improve quality of life of children through adults and their families. Importantly, the BHC implements supportive clinical care and psychological services to patients undergoing new and intensive therapies such as cell therapy, and uses targeted psychological and palliative care interventions to help children through adults cope with their illness and hospitalization. Specific areas of focus include improving the transition from pediatric to adult care settings for individuals with a chronic conditions such as NF1 and Medullary Thyroid Cancer and using evidence-based interventions, such as those using acceptance and mindfulness, to enhance the coping skills of patients and their parents. They also conduct clinical neuropsychological evaluations to assess the impact of the medical condition and treatment on cognitive and social-emotional functioning and provide results and recommendations to the medical team, family, and school. The BHC also leads the field in the development of psychosocial standards of care for pediatric cancer patients. Lastly, the BHC applies their research findings to create resources such as books, workbooks, advance care planning guides, therapeutic games, and other clinical tools. These resources are distributed worldwide and widely utilized in medical centers.