Using virtual reality to ease lumbar punctures in children with leukemia
Official title: Virtual Reality During Lumbar Punctures in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Run by Children's National Research Institute · NCT06722638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's National Research Institute Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington D.C., District of Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 9, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06722638 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.