Cognitive Training in the Virtual Reality Setting With Children Undergoing Radiotherapy for Brain Tumors (NCT05947045)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The objective of this study is to estimate the feasibility and acceptability of cognitive training in the virtual reality setting with children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors. To achieve this goal, the investigators plan to study children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors randomly assigned to cognitive training administered via an iPad or virtual reality. Both groups will also participate in cognitive testing and exams using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) pre- and post-intervention. The questions to be investigated are: 1. Will cognitive training via virtual reality be feasible and acceptable for children undergoing radiotherapy for brain tumors as indicated by participation rates, adherence and frequency of side effects? 2. Will cognitive training via virtual reality provide neurocognitive benefits? 3. Will there be predictable changes in brain activity as measured by neuroimaging? Findings from this study will be used to develop a larger, definitive trial with direct potential to improve cognitive outcomes for children treated for cancer using a safe and effective alternative to desktop- or laptop-based computerized cognitive interventions with great promise for improving quality of life.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- 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)
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, Tennessee
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.