Using virtual reality to reduce stress in children undergoing proton therapy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing anxiety for pediatric patients receiving proton therapy for cancer treatment. By creating a more relaxed environment, the study seeks to minimize the discomfort associated with the long and uncomfortable positioning required during irradiation. The effectiveness will be evaluated through both objective measures, such as placement time and helmet tolerance, and subjective measures, including perceived anxiety through questionnaires. This is the first pediatric-focused study utilizing virtual reality in this context, supported by the French Group of Pediatric Radiotherapists.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient treated at the Antoine LACASSAGNE Center for treatment by proton therapy
* Age ≥ 7 years old and ≤ 18 years old
* Patient, and parents for minor children, having read the information notice and signed the informed consent,
* Patient with social security coverage.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \< 7 years old and \> 18 years old,
* Patient under general anesthesia,
* Patient suffering from wounds or infections in the head, deemed incompatible with the use of the helmet by the investigator,
* Patient suffering from respiratory problems,
* Patient suffering from a high level of claustrophobia,
* Patient followed for a psychiatric pathology,
* Patient suffering from unbalanced epilepsy,
* Patient suffering from visual (binocular vision) and / or hearing disorders preventing the use of virtual reality,
* Patient whose head circumference is insufficient for the use of the helmet, deemed incompatible with the use of the helmet by the investigator,
* Patient treated by radio chemotherapy.

Where it's running

• Centre Antoine Lacassagne
  Nice, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Amandine STARZYK
• Email: amandine.starzyk@nice.unicancer.fr
• Phone: 04-92-03-10-75

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.