Pilot Study of the PediRISE Program to Support Families of Children Under 18 with Cancer Randomized Comparison with Usual Care in Poverty-Exposed Pediatric Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the PediRISE program, a support intervention for poverty-exposed families with children newly diagnosed with cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant HSCT. This pilot, multi-center, randomized study aims to determine if families are interested in participating and whether the program can be feasibly delivered alongside usual care. The study is supported by grants from the American Cancer Society and the Childrens Cancer Research Fund. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the PediRISE Program Group or the Usual Care Group. The PediRISE program includes twice-monthly cash transfers delivered via debit card or digital payment methods, benefits counseling to help maintain access to support programs, and standard supportive care from social workers or resource specialists. The Usual Care Group receives standard supportive care without the additional PediRISE interventions. Program orientation and surveys are completed in-person, by phone, or virtually, with the study lasting about six months. During the study, parents or guardians will complete baseline and end-of-study surveys and have optional meetings with benefits counselors. Researchers will monitor participation rates and retention over six months to assess feasibility. The study involves screening, study visits, and questionnaires to collect data on family engagement and program impact. A total of approximately 40 pediatric participants and their families are expected to join, with ongoing support and follow-up provided throughout the study period.

PediRISE Feasibility