Home›Oncology› Psychosocial Interventions Improve Neurocognitive, Psychological, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Children With Cancer
Psychosocial Interventions Improve Neurocognitive, Psychological, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Children With CancerPsychosocial Interventions Improve Quality of Life for Children with Cancer
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in CancerPublished September 22, 2026Study authors: Paterson Catherine, McCarthy Maria C, Sansom-Daly Ursula M, Wakefield Claire E, Turner Murray R, Chr…PubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development
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Key Takeaway
Consider psychosocial interventions for children with cancer, but note limited effects on depression, coping, and fatigue.
This meta-analysis synthesized 34 studies evaluating psychosocial interventions in children and adolescents (0 to 19 years) living with cancer. Interventions included cognitive interventions, play and creative therapies, animal assistance therapy, self-management education, and physical activity. The primary outcomes were neurocognitive, psychological, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.
Pooled results showed significant positive effects on neurocognitive outcomes (SMD 0.51; 95% CI 0.32, 0.69; I=0%, p<0.01), psychological outcomes (SMD 0.42; 95% CI 0.17, 0.68; I=70.1%, p<0.01), and quality-of-life outcomes (SMD 0.80; 95% CI 0.48, 1.11; I=87.1%, p<0.01). However, effects on depression, coping, self-worth, fatigue, and global HRQOL were not significant.
The authors note substantial evidence gaps, particularly for early targeted approaches in the cancer care continuum. Safety data, including adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability, were not reported. Funding and conflicts of interest were also not reported. The high heterogeneity for psychological and quality-of-life outcomes (I=70.1% and 87.1%, respectively) suggests variability in intervention effects across studies.
These findings suggest that psychosocial interventions may offer benefit for certain outcomes in pediatric oncology, but the lack of significant effects for several secondary outcomes and the substantial evidence gaps warrant cautious interpretation. Clinicians should consider these interventions as part of a comprehensive care plan while recognizing the limitations of the current evidence base.
How this fits prior evidence
This meta-analysis extends prior coverage of supportive care in cancer by focusing on pediatric psychosocial interventions. It aligns with the finding that early palliative care improves quality of life in cancer, though the current review addresses a younger population and specific psychosocial modalities. The significant effects on neurocognitive and quality-of-life outcomes contrast with the sparse direct evidence noted for cancer care barriers in immigrant workers, highlighting a broader evidence gap in psychosocial support across different populations. The review also complements evidence on prehabilitation adherence barriers by showing promise for psychosocial interventions, though the non-significant effects on depression, coping, and fatigue underscore the need for targeted approaches.
A large review of 34 different studies looked at how psychosocial interventions help children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 who are living with cancer. These programs included activities like cognitive interventions, play and creative therapies, animal assistance, self-management education, and physical activity.
The analysis found that these programs led to significant improvements in several areas. Specifically, children showed better neurocognitive outcomes and improved psychological health. The study also found a significant improvement in overall quality of life for these young patients.
It is important to note that while the overall results were positive, some specific areas like fatigue, coping, and self-worth did not show significant changes. There are still gaps in the research, especially regarding early targeted treatments. These findings suggest that these programs are helpful tools, but they should be discussed with a medical team to see how they fit into a specific care plan.
What this means for you:
Psychosocial programs like play therapy and animal assistance can improve mental health and quality of life for children with cancer.
Common questions
What types of psychosocial interventions were studied?
The study looked at several types of programs, including cognitive interventions, play and creative therapies, animal assistance therapy, self-management education, and physical activity. These programs were evaluated to see how they affected the mental and physical well-being of children and adolescents living with cancer.
How did these programs affect the children's mental health?
The review found a significant overall improvement in psychological outcomes for the children. While the study did not find significant changes in specific areas like coping or self-worth, the overall psychological results were positive for the group of children and adolescents studied.
Did these programs improve the quality of life for young patients?
Yes, the study found a significant improvement in quality of life outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer. These results suggest that psychosocial interventions can be a helpful part of the care process to improve the daily experience of young patients.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of psychosocial interventions on health outcomes among children and adolescents (0-19 years) living with cancer across the care continuum, specifically on (1) neurocognitive, (2) psychological, and (3) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes.
METHODS: Five electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched with no date restrictions, supplemented by backward citation chaining of the reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. All identified citations were imported into Covidence systematic review software for the removal of duplicate records and the study selection process by two reviewers. Methodological quality and meta-analyses were performed.
RESULTS: Two thousand nine hundred sixty-one articles were identified, and 34 studies were included. The studies were conducted in 17 countries and representative of 1988 participants. Studies investigating the effects of cognitive interventions demonstrated a significant positive effect on neurocognitive outcomes (SMD: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.32, 0.69]; I = 0%, p < 0.01). Play and creative therapies, animal assistance therapy, self-management education, and physical activity were associated with a significant overall improvement in psychological outcomes (SMD: 0.42 [95% CI: 0.17, 0.68]; I = 70.1%, p < 0.01). Animal assistance therapy, play and creative therapies, and physical activity interventions led to a significant improvement in quality-of-life outcomes (SMD: 0.80 [95% CI: 0.48, 1.11]; I = 87.1%, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial interventions improved neurocognitive, psychological, and HRQOL outcomes in children and adolescents with cancer, with the most consistent benefits for neurocognition (working memory), anxiety, and pain; effects on depression, coping, self-worth, fatigue and global HRQOL were not significant. Future trials should identify optimal intervention timing, dosage and delivery format, and stratify outcomes by age, diagnosis, and treatment intensity.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: These findings suggest the promise of interventions for improving neurocognitive, psychological, and HRQOL outcomes in children and adolescents affected by cancer, while also highlighting substantial evidence gaps, particularly for early targeted approaches in the cancer care continuum.
