Using virtual reality to ease lumbar punctures in children with leukemia
Virtual Reality During Lumbar Punctures in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
NA · Children's National Research Institute · NCT06722638
This study is testing whether using virtual reality can help kids with leukemia feel less pain and anxiety during lumbar punctures, so they might not need general anesthesia.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06722638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to help manage pain and anxiety during lumbar punctures in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Participants aged 7 and older will receive local anesthesia and the option for anti-anxiety medication, while experiencing immersive VR content. The goal is to determine if this approach can effectively replace the need for general anesthesia, which has been linked to long-term neurocognitive impairments. The study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of this innovative method in improving the treatment experience for young patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 7 and older who are in the maintenance phase of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and can communicate in English or Spanish.
Not a fit: Patients who have relapsed or refractory disease, or those who do not require anesthesia for lumbar punctures, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the need for general anesthesia, minimizing neurocognitive risks while improving the comfort of pediatric patients during critical procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application for lumbar punctures in pediatric leukemia patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Initial diagnosis of ALL or Lymphoma (as they receive the same therapy) * In maintenance phase of treatment * Still have 2 maintenance cycles planned * Aged 7 and over * Patient able to speak English * Caregiver able to complete consent and study questionnaires in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * Relapsed or refractory disease * Previously required ultrasound guided LP procedure * Already does LPs without anesthesia
Where this trial is running
Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Children's National Hospital — Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Levine, MD
- Email: jlevine@childrensnational.org
- Phone: 202-476-2140
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.
Conditions: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Pediatric, Virtual Reality, Lumbar Puncture