Using serious games to help older cancer patients manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Official title: Serious gaming for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults with cancer: A randomized clinical trial
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-10861916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun game designed to help older adults with cancer learn how to better handle nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, so they can feel more in control of their treatment and improve their quality of life.
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 start | September 26, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $509,365 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020003-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a serious game can help older adults with cancer better manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The game, called eSSET-CINV, allows players to learn and practice self-management strategies in a simulated environment, helping them to make informed decisions about preventing and addressing nausea. By engaging with the game, participants can overcome misconceptions about CINV management and improve their adherence to treatment. The goal is to empower older adults to take a more active role in their care, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the quality of life for older cancer patients by reducing the severity and frequency of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown success with similar serious game interventions in improving self-management behaviors among older adults.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loerzel, Victoria — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Loerzel, Victoria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Serious gaming to help older adults prevent and manage chemotherapy-induced nausea
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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.