Radiotherapy for pediatric cancer using deep inspiration breath-hold technique

Radiotherapy Delivery in Deep Inspiration for Pediatric Patients: TEDDI - a NOPHO Feasibility Study

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT03315546

This study is testing a breathing technique during radiation therapy to see if it can help protect healthy organs in children with tumors in their chest or abdomen.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations3 sites (Copenhagen, Danmark and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03315546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the use of deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) during radiotherapy for pediatric patients with tumors in the thorax or abdomen. The study aims to assess the dosimetric benefits of DIBH compared to traditional free-breathing techniques, focusing on reducing radiation exposure to healthy organs and minimizing late effects. Participants will be coached to perform sequential breath-holds during treatment, and the study will also evaluate compliance and reproducibility of this technique. The trial is non-randomized and includes pediatric patients aged 5-17 years, regardless of cancer diagnosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 5-17 years with tumors in the mediastinum or abdomen who require radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 5 years, older than 17 years, or those requiring radiotherapy under general anesthesia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of long-term radiation-induced health issues in pediatric cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in adults have shown success with DIBH techniques, but this application in pediatric patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 5-17 years.
* Patients with a tumor in the mediastinum or abdomen with possible need of radiotherapy according to current treatment guidelines, irrespective of cancer diagnosis.
* The ability to perform three sequential breath-holds of 20 seconds each during the coaching session.
* Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age younger than 5 years or older than 17 years.
* The need for radiotherapy under general anesthesia.
* CNS tumor or pelvic localization.
* Unable to understand coaching information directly or through interpretation.

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen, Danmark and 2 other locations

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.
Conditions Pediatric Cancerdeep inspiration breath-holdradiotherapylate effectspediatric cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.