Using virtual reality to help manage chronic pain in cancer patients
Official title: Cognitive behavioral theory-assisted virtual reality for chronic cancer pain (VR-CAN): device prototype development and feasibility testing
Funded at Medstar Health Research Institute · NIH-11115251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new virtual reality device that helps cancer patients manage their chronic pain by taking them to relaxing virtual environments, and it aims to see how well this fun and calming tool works alongside regular pain treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medstar Health Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hyattsville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $403,383 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299799-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who are experiencing chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those who are not experiencing chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and testing of a virtual reality (VR) device designed to assist in managing chronic pain experienced by cancer patients. By immersing patients in calming environments, the VR technology aims to distract from pain and reduce pain sensations. The study will assess the feasibility of this innovative approach, focusing on its effectiveness as a non-pharmacologic therapy alongside traditional pain management methods. Patients will be engaged in a collaborative effort between Duke University and MedStar Health to ensure the VR intervention meets their unique needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide cancer patients with a new, effective tool for managing chronic pain without relying solely on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for virtual reality interventions in pain management, indicating potential success for this novel application in cancer pain.
Where this research is happening
-
Medstar Health Research Institute
Hyattsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Groninger, J. Hunter — Medstar Health Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Groninger, J. Hunter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.