Robin Ganzert Stands Behind Research Regarding Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Pediatric Cancer Patients

WASHINGTON, DC, March 01, 2014

In an effort to better understand the effects of animal-assisted therapy on pediatric cancer patients, the American Humane Association, led by Robin Ganzert, and Zoetis Inc. have teamed up to launch a first-of-its-kind clinical trial. The Canines and Childhood Cancer (CCC) Study will explore not only the impact that this type of therapy has on patients, but also on their families and the therapy dogs as well.

"Animal-assisted therapy is used throughout many different settings with great success," says Dr. Robin Ganzert. "Now we are seeking to learn more about the benefits it may have for pediatric cancer patients and their families in regards to issues such as stress, anxiety, and quality of life." The study will also examine whether there is any impact on the therapy dogs themselves as they participate in this study.

Focusing on the pediatric population, participants in the study will range from age three to 12 and have a new diagnosis of childhood cancer that is being treated with regular chemotherapy in an outpatient clinic.

According to a Health News Digest article, there are five children's hospitals participating in this year-long clinical trial. They are: Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland, OR; UC Davis Children's Hospital in Sacramento, CA; Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN; St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, FL; and UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center in Worcester, MA, in partnership with Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts in North Grafton, MA. Start dates are staggered, but each site will collect data for approximately 12 months.

Dr. Janice Olson, medical director of the Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Program at Randall Children's, said in an article in the Portland Business Journal that they have already identified approximately five dogs from their program who will participate. She noted that their hospital has used pet therapy on an inpatient basis for a long time but this is the first time they are trying it within the outpatient setting.

Animal-assisted therapy is certainly not new to the medical industry, but up until now the benefits for patients with cancer were mainly noted through anecdotal evidence. This study aims to provide scientific evidence that supports therapeutic benefits. "If we can confirm it reduces stress, it will be nice to have that information so other hospitals can refer to it and take advantage of it," said Dr. Olson.

The results of the study could support more beneficial use and effective implementation of animal-assisted therapy programs in pediatric oncology settings. In early 2013 the AHA and Zoetis conducted a six-month pilot study and published their findings, but this is the first full clinical trial for the study.

"This clinical trial is an important and necessary step in advancing our understanding of the therapeutic benefits that animal-assisted therapy can provide in regards to pediatric cancer," says Dr. Robin Ganzert. "We have long speculated about the benefits and now we are striving to back them with scientific evidence." Dr. Robin Ganzert is excited to see what the results of the study will show and how it will impact the future of cancer treatment and animal-assisted therapy.

ABOUT:

In 2010 Robin Ganzert assumed the role of president and CEO of the American Humane Association, and since that time, she has helped the nonprofit organization to thrive and expand its reach. Researching the human-animal bond is just one aspect of the work done by the AHA. Dr. Ganzert has implemented numerous programs and initiatives to support the welfare, well-being, and wellness of children and animals everywhere, and continues to explore new opportunities.