New Audio-Visual device may let children skip anesthesia during cancer treatment

NCT ID NCT03991156

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether an audio-visual system called AVATAR can help children aged 3 to 10 stay still during radiotherapy without needing anesthesia. The system uses calming sounds and images to distract and relax the child. If it works, it could reduce the risks and stress associated with anesthesia for young cancer patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Audio-Visual Assisted Therapeutic Ambience in Radiotherapy (AVATAR) device

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a non-drug alternative to anesthesia for young children undergoing radiotherapy, reducing side effects and anxiety.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (80 participants) and success depends on each child's cooperation. The device may not work for all children, and some may still need anesthesia.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cincinnati Children's/UC Health Proton Therapy Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham & Women Children Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Indiana University

    Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, United States

  • Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21218, United States

  • Oregon Health and Science University

    Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

  • St. Jude Children Hospital

    Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States

  • St. Louis Children's Hospital

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California, 94304, United States

  • University North Carolina

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneota, Minnesota, 55455, United States

  • University of Rochester School of Medicine

    Rochester, New York, 14642, United States