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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 19, 2013
Childhood leukaemia: towards an integrated psychosocial intervention programme in Singapore
B Macner-Licht1, V Rajalingam, V Bernard-Opitz
1Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
Insights
This study introduced a 12-week psychosocial intervention for families of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), improving coping and reducing hopelessness for both children and parents.
Area of Science:
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
- Behavioral Intervention
Background:
- Pediatric cancer diagnosis, particularly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), presents significant emotional distress for children and families.
- Existing pediatric oncology services may lack comprehensive psychosocial support tailored to the unique needs of these families.
- Effective coping mechanisms are crucial for navigating the challenges of ALL treatment and improving patient and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a hospital-based behavioral intervention program for families of children with newly diagnosed or relapsed ALL.
- To enhance the coping abilities of children and parents facing the emotional distress associated with ALL and its treatment.
- To assess the feasibility and benefits of integrating such a psychosocial program into pediatric oncology care in Singapore.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week intervention program involving individual therapeutic play and computer-assisted distraction for children, and a structured support group for parents.
- Utilized pre-, immediate post-, and 6-month post-intervention assessments.
- Employed self-administered questionnaires and clinical observations by a psychosocial intervention team and hospital staff.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated positive changes in coping strategies and significant reductions in hopelessness among participating children and parents.
- Observed overall benefits for both children and parents, including improved emotional well-being.
- Hospital staff reported enhanced treatment compliance and cooperation from families post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- The psychosocial intervention program proved beneficial in improving coping and reducing hopelessness in families affected by childhood ALL.
- The study supports the feasibility and positive impact of integrating psychosocial support services within pediatric oncology settings.
- Findings suggest that such programs can enhance family resilience and treatment adherence in pediatric cancer care.
Abstract:
A hospital-based behavioural intervention programme was developed for families of children with newly diagnosed or relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). The programme's aim was to enhance the families' ability to cope with the emotionally distressing aspects of the illness and the medical treatment. Eight children and 10 parents participated in the programme for 12 weeks. The children received individual therapeutic play sessions and computer-assisted distraction activities, while the parents participated in a structured support group. The subjects were evaluated before, immediately after, and 6 months post-intervention, using both self-administered questionnaires and clinical observation by the psychosocial intervention team and the hospital staff. Findings indicated positive changes on the coping and the hopelessness measures, and an overall benefit for both parents and children. The hospital team reported better compliance and co-operation with treatment procedures by the children and their parents. The study concludes with an assessment of the benefits and feasibility of integrating a psychosocial programme into paediatric oncology services in Singapore.
