Proof-of-Concept Testing of the Cardiovascular Health Equity Through Food (CHEF) Intervention in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Launched by DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE · Sep 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is called the Cardiovascular Health Equity Through Food (CHEF) program. It aims to help childhood cancer survivors and their families eat healthier meals during and after cancer treatment. The goal is to support their heart health, especially since some cancer treatments can increase the risk of heart problems later in life. By participating in this program, families will learn how to cook nutritious meals and make healthier food choices.

To be eligible for this trial, children must be 18 years old or younger, have been diagnosed with a primary cancer (not a returning or new cancer), and have received chemotherapy or radiation treatment. They should also have at least one risk factor for heart issues, such as being overweight or having high blood pressure or cholesterol. Additionally, the family must be facing food insecurity, meaning they may not have enough food or access to healthy options. Participants can expect to engage in activities that teach them about cooking and nutrition, which can ultimately improve their health and well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Child with any primary cancer diagnosis (non-relapsed, non-secondary malignancy) who has received cancer-directed therapy that includes chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy;
• * Child is within one of the following time windows:
• • 1. Among those receiving chemotherapy, any time from start of last planned cycle of chemotherapy until 12 months from completion of chemotherapy;
• • 2. Among those receiving radiation therapy alone or radiation and surgery, any time from completion of radiation until 12 months post completion;
• • Child has 1 or more cardiovascular risk factor (defined as any of: body mass index ≥ 85th percentile; systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥90th percentile; dyslipidemia \[triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol ≥130 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol ≤40 mg/dL\]; impaired glucose metabolism \[fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL, hemoglobin A1c ≥5.7%\]; anthracycline exposure ≥100 mg/m2; or any radiation exposure to chest, brain, thoracic spine, or total body);
• • Child is ≤18 years of age at time of enrollment, or over 18 years of age but under medical guardianship;
• • Parent/guardian screened positive for food insecurity.\* \*Assessed through validated 2-item food insecurity screen.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patient received only surgery, or watchful waiting/surveillance, for cancer- directed therapy;
• • Foreign national family receiving cancer care as an embassy-pay patient.