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Cognitive Training for Children with Brain Tumors Undergoing Radiotherapy

This study is looking at whether cognitive (brain) training using virtual reality is practical and well-received by children aged 8 to 22 who are receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive cognitive training through an iPad or through virtual reality. Both groups will complete five 15-20 minute training sessions over one to two weeks while on campus for radiotherapy. Researchers want to see how many people participate, how well they stick to the training, and if there are any side effects. They also want to compare how cognitive skills change and how brain activity is affected in both groups. The goal is to understand if virtual reality is a good way to deliver this type of training.

Study design
This is a randomized study with about 45 participants. You would be assigned to either the iPad or virtual reality cognitive training group.
What's involved
You would complete five 15-20 minute cognitive training sessions over one to two weeks, along with cognitive testing and brain scans (fNIRS) before and after the training.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Researchers will check on your participation, adherence, and side effects at the completion of radiation therapy, which is about 6 weeks after you enroll.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05947045

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

Recruiting
NAAges 8–22InterventionalSupportive care
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
~45 participants
Updated 2026-06-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive training via iPadCognitive training via virtual reality

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Participation Rate
Measured over After approach for enrollment, an average of 3 weeks after starting radiation therapy
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Brain Tumor

Explore related trials

Brain Neoplasm

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Tennessee1

Study leadership

  • Andrew Heitzer, PhD, ABPP-CN · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Heather Conklin, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Who to contact

Heather Conklin, PhD
[email protected]
888-226-4343
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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)

What this trial measures

  • Participation RateAfter approach for enrollment, an average of 3 weeks after starting radiation therapy

    The participation rate of this study (i.e., how many patients agree to participate/how many patients are approached for participation) and its 90% Blyth-Still-Casella exact binomial confidence intervals will be estimated for all participants.

  • AdherenceAt the completion of radiation therapy, an average of 6 weeks after enrollment

    The completion of cognitive training sessions is defined as completion of four out of five planned sessions. The rate of completion of cognitive training sessions and its 90% Blyth-Still-Casella exact binomial confidence intervals will be estimated for all participants, and separately for virtual reality and iPad administration groups.

  • Side EffectsAt the completion of radiation therapy, an average of 6 weeks after enrollment

    Summary statistics, including counts and percentages of side effects/cyber sickness symptoms will be provided at pre-, immediate-, and 1-hour post-cognitive training for participants completing training via the iPad or virtual reality.