(MEDACO) Medicine acceptability in paediatric haematology/oncology
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mapping medication challenges and exploring the perceived potential of 3D-printed formulations in paediatric oncology: A cross-sectional survey of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
IRAS ID
345077
Contact name
Munsur Ahmed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Giving medicine to children with cancer is a major challenge. Many drugs are only made for adults, as large pills, that are difficult for children to swallow. Nurses and parents often have to crush tablets or dissolve capsules, which can lead to inaccurate dosing and make the medicine taste bad. This can cause children to refuse their medication, potentially making their treatment less effective.
This study explores a new solution: 3D-printed medicines. This technology, using a pharmaceutical 3D printer, can create dosage forms - such as tablets or oro-dispersible films- in sizes, shapes and flavours with the exact dose children need. The goal is to make medicines easier to take and to ensure each child gets the right dose for their weight. However, we do not yet know if children and their families will find these new 3D-printed forms acceptable.
This research aims to answer that question. Using surveys, we will gather information from three groups: parents and carers of children with cancer aged 0–13 years, children with cancer aged 5–13 years, who will complete their own age-appropriate survey; and healthcare professionals involved in their care. Surveys will ask about the challenges associated with current medicines and opinions on the concept of 3D-printed alternatives.
The study will not involve giving any new medicine to children; it is about gathering their views and preferences.
This study is important because it will ensure that the development of future medicines is guided by the needs of the children who will use them. The findings will help design better, safer, and more child-friendly cancer treatments, which could improve children's willingness to take their medicine and the overall success of their therapy.
The study is funded by NIHR and will recruit participants from paediatric oncology units at two UK NHS Trusts and from one German Hospital. Participation involves completing a one-time survey and will not affect the clinical care the child receives.
REC approval is sought for two UK sites only.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0354
Date of REC Opinion
19 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion