Using virtual reality to reduce stress in children undergoing proton therapy
Virtual Reality for Children in Radiotherapy (REVER)
This study is testing whether using virtual reality can help reduce stress and anxiety in children receiving proton therapy for cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 47 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Antoine Lacassagne Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Nice) |
| Trial ID | NCT04934293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 18 years receiving proton therapy at the Antoine LACASSAGNE Center.
Not a fit: Patients under 7 or over 18 years old, those under general anesthesia, or with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the overall experience of children undergoing proton therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While this is the first pediatric virtual reality study in this context, similar approaches in other settings have shown promise in reducing anxiety.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Nice
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne — Nice, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amandine STARZYK
- Email: amandine.starzyk@nice.unicancer.fr
- Phone: 04-92-03-10-75
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.