A game to help older adults with cancer manage nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Serious gaming for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults with cancer: A randomized clinical trial
This project explores if a special computer game can help older adults with cancer feel better and manage nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120850 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Older adults with cancer often experience severe nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, which they may not manage effectively, leading to reduced daily functioning and increased healthcare visits. This project introduces a 'serious game' called eSSET-CINV, an educational simulation designed to teach older adults how to prevent and manage these symptoms. Players interact with an avatar experiencing nausea after chemotherapy, making decisions to practice self-management strategies. The goal is to empower patients to take a more active role in managing their symptoms at home, potentially improving their quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, specifically those 65 years of age or older, who have cancer and are receiving chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving chemotherapy or are not older adults may not directly benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this game could help older adults with cancer reduce their nausea and vomiting, improve their daily life, and potentially avoid emergency room visits.
How similar studies have performed: A preliminary study showed that older adults who used the eSSET-CINV intervention employed twice as many preventative strategies for nausea and vomiting, indicating promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Orlando, United States
- University of Central Florida — Orlando, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loerzel, Victoria — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Loerzel, Victoria
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.