Cognitive training using virtual reality for children with brain tumors undergoing radiotherapy
Cognitive Training in the Virtual Reality Setting With Children Undergoing Radiotherapy for Brain Tumors
This study is testing whether virtual reality brain training can help children with brain tumors feel better while they receive radiotherapy compared to using an iPad for the same training.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Memphis, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT05947045 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of cognitive training delivered through virtual reality for children receiving radiotherapy for brain tumors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either virtual reality cognitive training or cognitive training via an iPad, with both groups undergoing cognitive assessments before and after the intervention. The study will also measure brain activity changes using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess neurocognitive benefits. The findings will inform the development of a larger, definitive study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8-22 who are initiating radiotherapy for a brain tumor and can participate in cognitive training.
Not a fit: Patients with significant intellectual impairment or major neurological conditions prior to their brain tumor diagnosis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life for children undergoing treatment for brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality for cognitive training is emerging, this specific approach in the context of pediatric brain tumor treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Initiating radiotherapy for a BT * Between 8-22 years of age at the time of enrollment * English or Spanish as the primary language * Research participant and one parent willing to participate and provide consent/assent according to institutional guidelines * Participant willing to take part in required aspects of Cogmed training Exclusion Criteria: * Significant impairment in global intellectual functioning (estimated or full scale IQ \< 70 based on standardized testing routinely conducted on primary treatment protocols or as part of the New Oncology Program in Psychology \[NOPP\]) * History of significant neurological disease preceding BT diagnosis including stroke or head injury with loss of consciousness * Major sensory or motor impairment that would preclude valid cognitive testing secondary to inability to complete study procedures (e.g., blindness, paresis, poorly controlled seizures/photosensitive epilepsy, inadequate balance to sit or stand unassisted to complete cognitive training) * Psychiatric condition that would preclude or take precedence over study participation (e.g. active psychosis, suicidal ideation) * Need for general anesthesia during radiation therapy (note: can participate if only sedated for simulation/planning but not daily treatment)
Where this trial is running
Memphis, Tennessee
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrew Heitzer, PhD, ABPP-CN — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Heather Conklin, PhD
- Email: referralinfo@stjude.org
- Phone: 888-226-4343
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.