Effects on Pediatric Cancer Survivors: The FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Objective To examine as secondary analyses the effect the FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) family therapy program on reducing parent-reported medical traumatic stress in the sub-sample of pediatric cancer survivors, age 2–5 years. Methods The FAMOS study was a national multicenter randomized controlled trial with all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark (Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02200731]). Families were randomized in parallel design (1:1) to intervention or usual care. The FAMOS program includes seven home-based psychotherapeutic sessions and is based on family systems therapy to address the individuals in the family system using cognitive behavioral, problem-solving and goal-setting techniques. Questionnaires were completed by parents at baseline, 6, and 12 months. In linear mixed-effects models, the effect of FAMOS on reducing children’s trauma-related behavior after 6 and 12 months was examined in 62 children (31 in the intervention and 29 in the control group, respectively). It was also examined if a trauma-related behavior effect was mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers and fathers, respectively. Results On average, children in the intervention group experienced significantly larger decreases in trauma-related behaviors at 6 and 12 months than the control group (predicted mean difference –3.89, p = .02 and –6.24, p = .003, respectively). The effect on trauma-related behavior was partly mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers, but not fathers. Conclusions Adding to previously reported positive effects of the FAMOS intervention on parents’ symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression, significant improvements were found in young children’s trauma related-behavior. Further research is needed to develop therapy for children with cancer.