Massage for Pediatric Oncology

Undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is associated with a high level of distress for patients and caregivers. Clinical research studies have reported benefits from massage for a) oncology patients, b) children, c) adults and children undergoing bone marrow transplants. A multi-center study of an intervention using a combination of massage therapy and a laugh cart to reduce distress in pediatric oncology patients undergoing BMT (PI: Phipps) is completed with results not yet published. There is still a need for independent studies to isolate the effect of massage for clinical outcomes (such as improved nausea and pain control) in children. Furthermore, this study will test the acceptability of an augmented massage intervention. In addition to provider-child massage, the augmented massage intervention includes training of the resident parent to provide additional parent-child massage, to relieve symptoms as needed. The goal of this augmented intervention is the improvement of symptom management in patients and decreased stress and feelings of helplessness in parents. We propose a randomized pilot study at the UCSF pediatric bone marrow transplant center to assess the feasibility of a higher-quality study of the effects of massage in this population. Aim 1: Determine the acceptability of a massage intervention for patients and parents on a pediatric bone marrow transplant unit. Aim 2: Explore the logistics of implementing the augmented massage intervention at the bedside offered to consecutive patients over one year\'s time. Aim 3: Collect preliminary data for patients and parents including patient clinical outcomes, quality of life, and satisfaction, and parental stress and mood to allow sample size calculations for further studies.