Mindful attention training for pediatric cancer survivors

A Pilot Study of Assessing and Improving Cognition and Real-World Behavior in Pediatric Cancer Survivors

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT05000905

This study is testing a new attention training program for kids aged 7-17 who survived cancer and had radiation therapy, to see if it helps improve their thinking and behavior.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (San Francisco, California)
Trial IDNCT05000905 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot project aims to evaluate the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of a novel, adaptive attention training program for pediatric cancer survivors. Participants aged 7-17 who have received radiation therapy to the brain or neck will be randomly assigned to one of two training groups and will engage in tasks for up to 8 weeks. The study will assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and adherence, as well as measure cognitive and behavioral changes before and after the training. An additional cohort will serve as a no-contact comparison group to evaluate the reliability of the assessment measures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric cancer survivors aged 7-17 who have received radiation therapy to the brain or neck and are not currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with motor or perceptual difficulties that prevent them from using a computer or tablet may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve attentional control and overall cognitive function in pediatric cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar interventions targeting cognitive enhancement in pediatric populations have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 7-17 at the time of enrollment.
2. Able to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study.
3. Ability of individual and legal guardian/representative to understand a written informed consent document, and the willingness to sign it.
4. Normal or corrected-normal vision and hearing.
5. English language fluency (minor participant and parent/guardian).
6. Received radiation therapy to the brain or neck between age 7-17.
7. Patients not on current cancer-related treatment (except supportive care) or those on other current treatments that would not hinder study participation. Patients currently on cancer-related treatments will be discussed with the study team (co-PI Mueller).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to any study-related procedure or assessment.
2. Motor/perceptual difficulties that prevent computer or tablet use.
3. Current cancer-related treatments that would impact the ability to participate in the study (e.g., current inpatient chemotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy). Patients on other current treatments will be discussed with the study team (co-PI, Dr. Mueller)

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pediatric Cancer, Pediatric Cancer Survivor, Attention, Cognitive Control

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.