Using movies to help children relax during radiation treatment

Pediatric Radiation Oncology With Movie Induced Sedation Effect (PROMISE): A Phase II Clinical Trial to Safely Reduce Anesthesia Use

Phase 2 Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05148078

This study is testing if using movies can help kids aged 3-11 relax during radiation treatment and reduce the need for anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05148078 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The PROMISE initiative employs an interactive movie system designed to reduce the need for general anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing radiation therapy. This single-arm, open-label phase II trial targets children aged 3-11, aiming to decrease the percentage of those requiring anesthesia from 70% to 30%. By integrating audiovisual distraction with real-time motion monitoring, the system not only keeps children engaged but also enhances safety during treatment. The study will also evaluate the impact on patient anxiety, quality of life, treatment efficiency, and overall costs associated with radiation therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-11 who are scheduled to undergo radiation treatment for cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with medical behavioral conditions or those requiring anesthesia for compliance will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the reliance on general anesthesia, minimizing associated health risks and costs for pediatric cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While audiovisual distraction techniques have been explored, PROMISE represents a novel approach with real-time monitoring that has not been previously tested in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Planned to undergo radiation treatment
2. Age 3-11 years
3. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2 at screening
4. Parents or guardians with the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with documented medical behavior conditions or other conditions necessitating anesthesia use
2. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that, in the opinion of the investigator, would limit compliance with study requirements.
3. Subjects whose parents opt to not include them (the subject) in the clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Cancerradiotherapy
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.