These findings are a result of a 2006 to 2007 collaborative research project between Rx Laughter and the Mahavajiralongkorn Cancer Center in Thailand for adults with cancer with academic support from graduate students at the Yale University School of Public Health.

Rx Laughter is especially helpful for the patients because they have virtually no other form of therapy or entertainment available to them in the hospital. It is cost effective, non invasive, painless and comforting. Letter from the Director of National Cancer Institute Hospital in Thailand:

The results of this study were analyzed by Fulbright Scholar Joy Bhosai, and Biostatistician Saki Miwa. Ms. Bhosai and Ms. Miwa were graduate students at the Yale University School of Public Health at the time of this project. We are greatly appreciative of their pro bono efforts throughout this project.

Based on these findings, we now look forward to helping more adults going thru treatments such as these at more cancer centers for under-served people worldwide.

This information is presented here in pamphlet form.

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Rx Laughter and the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Lab Research

Evidence-Based Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine - October, 2007
"Laughter, Humor and Pain Perception in Children"

American Medical Association worldwide press briefing - February, 2002
"Laughter Tested as Pain Therapy for Children"

Findings from this multi-year collaborative research project suggest that pediatric patients who watch funny classic and contemporary films and television shows during a medical procedure are able to tolerate the pain of the procedure significantly longer. A surprising finding: They did not have to laugh out loud for the effect to be significant. The enjoyment of the humor was the most significant factor! ( 1999 to 2002).

The results of this pilot study suggests the value of funny videos for pediatric patients going through painful and uncomfortable procedures such as chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, infusion treatments for immune deficiencies, surgical care, wound healing, juvenile arthritis treatments, dialysis, and neuromuscular illnesses.

This project was a collaboration between Rx Laughter and the The UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, the UCLA Pediatric Pain Program, and the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Research Institute & Hospital.

The Leadership of the Research Team:
Margaret Stuber MD & Lonnie Zeltzer MD of the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center, Semel Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Mattel Children's Hospital @UCLA, Sherry Dunay Hilber, the Project Director and Founder of Rx Laughter.

Research Team:
Lisa Libman Mintzer Ph.D., Marleen Castaneda, Dorie Glover Ph.D., Ruth Magtanong.

This project was funded by an unrestricted grant from Comedy Central.

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Mental Health Initiative

We are designing this initiative in collaboration with a psychiatric institute as an international prototype for mental health care for children, teens and adults.

Comedy film and television performances will help with anger, depression, anxiety, and morale for patients and staff.

Please check back for more details on this initiative in early 2008. Thank you.

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Rx Laughter and Therapeutic Care for Pediatric Patients in Outpatient Clinics

We will have detailed information about this project on this website in early 2008.
Thank you.