Cognitive Training in the Virtual Reality Setting With Children Undergoing Radiotherapy for Brain Tumors

Launched by ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · Jul 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how effective and acceptable cognitive training using virtual reality (VR) can be for children who are receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors. The study involves children aged 8 to 22 who are starting their treatment. They will be divided into two groups: one will use VR for cognitive training, while the other will use an iPad for the same type of training. Researchers want to see if kids enjoy this training, if they stick with it, and whether it helps improve their thinking skills and brain activity as measured by special brain scans.

To participate, children must be starting radiation therapy for a brain tumor and be fluent in English or Spanish. They also need to be willing to take part in all parts of the training with a parent’s consent. However, children with certain conditions, like significant intellectual disabilities or serious neurological issues, won't be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in fun VR activities that could help improve their cognitive abilities during their treatment, and the findings from this study may lead to larger trials that could enhance the quality of life for young cancer patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Initiating radiotherapy for a BT
• • Between 8-22 years of age at the time of enrollment
• • English or Spanish as the primary language
• • Research participant and one parent willing to participate and provide consent/assent according to institutional guidelines
• • Participant willing to take part in required aspects of Cogmed training
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Significant impairment in global intellectual functioning (estimated or full scale IQ \< 70 based on standardized testing routinely conducted on primary treatment protocols or as part of the New Oncology Program in Psychology \[NOPP\])
• • History of significant neurological disease preceding BT diagnosis including stroke or head injury with loss of consciousness
• • Major sensory or motor impairment that would preclude valid cognitive testing secondary to inability to complete study procedures (e.g., blindness, paresis, poorly controlled seizures/photosensitive epilepsy, inadequate balance to sit or stand unassisted to complete cognitive training)
• • Psychiatric condition that would preclude or take precedence over study participation (e.g. active psychosis, suicidal ideation)
• • Need for general anesthesia during radiation therapy (note: can participate if only sedated for simulation/planning but not daily treatment)