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

NCT ID NCT03991156

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANESTHESIA

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

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