Observing Anxiety Patterns in Children Ages 2 to 12 Undergoing Radiation Therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study anxiety patterns in children aged 2 to 12 who are receiving radiation therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study focuses on understanding how anxiety changes during different stages of treatment and what factors might influence these anxiety levels. It is an observational study, meaning researchers will watch and record information without altering the treatment. The study will track anxiety using a special scale called the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale Short Form mYPAS-SF. Anxiety will be assessed at key points during simulation, the first week of treatment, mid-treatment, and the final treatment week. Researchers will also look at how factors like the number of treatment sessions, use of anesthesia, support from child-life specialists, presence of parents or caregivers, waiting times, and time of day relate to anxiety. Participants will be observed during their regular radiation therapy appointments. The study will collect information on anxiety levels and related treatment details. Safety and any adverse events will be monitored throughout the study, which is expected to last about one year. This allows researchers to understand anxiety trends and how these might be connected to treatment experiences in pediatric patients.

Baseline Anxiety Trajectories in Pediatric Radiation Therapy Observational Cohort