RecruitingNot SpecifiedInterventional

Does a theory and evidence-based approach to implementation increase the uptake of photobiomodulation in U.K. children’s cancer centres?

Many children with cancer get painful mouth sores from chemotherapy, which can stop them from eating and drinking. A special red light treatment, called photobiomodulation (PBM), can cut the risk of these sores by about half. Even though it's recommended, most UK children's hospitals don't offer it. This study, called SPOT-LITE, wants to understand why PBM isn't used more often. We'll talk to children, parents, doctors, and hospital managers to find out what helps or hinders using PBM. Then, we'll create tools and resources to help more hospitals start offering PBM, hoping to improve care for children with cancer in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Specified

Sponsor

University of Leeds

Enrolment target

Start

03 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Children's cancer and mucositis

What is this study about?

When children are treated for cancer with chemotherapy, a common and very difficult side effect is getting painful sores in their mouth. These sores can be so bad that it hurts to eat or drink, sometimes leading to children needing to stay in hospital for pain relief and nutrition given through a drip. Such problems can even lead to delays in their cancer treatment, which might affect their chances of getting better. Children often tell us that these mouth sores really harm their quality of life.

There's a special kind of red light treatment, called photobiomodulation (PBM), that can be shone into the mouth during chemotherapy. It's been shown to reduce the risk of these painful sores by around half. Many expert groups both in the UK and internationally recommend using PBM to help children undergoing cancer treatment. However, despite these recommendations, very few children's hospitals in the UK actually offer this treatment.

Our study, called SPOT-LITE, aims to find out why PBM isn't being used more widely in UK children's cancer centres. We'll be talking to various people – including children who have had cancer treatment, their parents, healthcare professionals, and hospital managers – to understand what challenges they face or what support they might need to offer PBM. Using this information, we will create practical resources and strategies to help more hospitals successfully start using PBM, ultimately aiming to improve the care and comfort of children with cancer.

Key takeaways

PBM can reduce painful mouth sores from cancer treatment.
Most UK children's hospitals don't offer PBM, despite recommendations.
This study aims to understand why PBM isn't widely used.
We need input from children, parents, and healthcare staff.
The goal is to create resources to help hospitals introduce PBM.
Participation helps improve future care for children with cancer.

Who may be eligible?

This study isn't about giving you a new treatment; it's about gathering information and testing new ways to help hospitals. We're looking for different groups of people to share their experiences and ideas.

If you are a child (aged 6 to 17) who has had cancer treatment or a stem cell transplant, or a parent of such a child, you might be able to take part. Healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, dentists, and play therapists who work with children's cancer patients are also invited. We're also keen to hear from people involved in healthcare management or charity work related to this area.

Later in the study, we will work with children's cancer hospitals themselves and their staff to test out the resources we develop. Participation involves sharing your thoughts and experiences, not receiving a medical intervention.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a child aged 6-17 who has been treated for cancer?
Are you a parent of a child who has been treated for cancer?
Are you a doctor, nurse, dentist, or play therapist who works with children with cancer?
Are you involved in hospital management or charity work related to children's cancer care in the NHS?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, what you'll be asked to do depends on which part of the study you join. Most people will be asked to have a conversation (an interview) where you can share your experiences and ideas about PBM. This might include talking about what you think helps or hinders the use of PBM for children with cancer.

After gathering these ideas, some participants, including children, parents, and healthcare staff, will help us create useful resources and tools. This might involve looking at materials and giving your feedback. Finally, we'll work with some children's cancer hospitals to try out these new resources and see if they help more hospitals start using PBM. Hospitals taking part will help us understand how well the resources work and share their experiences of setting up a PBM service. The study is expected to run from October 2022 to September 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct health benefits for people taking part in this study, as it's about improving processes, not a medical treatment. However, your involvement could really help improve care for other children with cancer in the future by making PBM more widely available. You might feel a bit upset or uncomfortable when talking about past experiences with cancer treatment, but you'll have support if you're a child, and everyone can skip questions or stop taking part at any time. Healthcare professionals involved in testing resources might have extra meetings, but these will be planned to fit into their busy schedules. As a thank you for your time, you'll receive gift vouchers, and any travel costs will be covered. You are free to withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason.

Locations (3)

Addenbrookes
Approximate
Cambridge, United Kingdom
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, United Kingdom
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
City only
Leeds, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is PBM?

PBM stands for Photobiomodulation. It's a special red light treatment that can reduce the risk of painful mouth sores caused by chemotherapy for children with cancer.

Why isn't PBM used everywhere already?

That's exactly what this study wants to find out! We don't know the exact reasons yet, but we hope to understand the challenges and help more hospitals use it.

Will I get treatment if I join this study?

No, this study is not about getting PBM treatment yourself. It's about sharing your ideas and experiences to help develop tools and resources for hospitals.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by the University of Leeds and is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How long will the study last?

The study started in October 2022 and is expected to finish in September 2026. Your individual participation will likely be for a much shorter period, perhaps for an interview or a series of meetings.

How to find out more

Claudia Heggie

C.Heggie@leeds.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.