Comparing virtual reality and in-person art therapy for anxiety, well-being, and sleep in people with colorectal cancer
Official title: Effects of Virtual Art Therapy Delivered Through Virtual Reality Glasses and Physical Art Therapy on Anxiety, Psychological Well-being, and Sleep Quality in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Dokuz Eylul University · NCT07464626 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if virtual reality art therapy or in-person art sessions can reduce anxiety and improve psychological well-being and sleep for adults with colorectal cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dokuz Eylul University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Izmir, Balçova) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07464626 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age 18+) with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer who are receiving outpatient chemotherapy (FOLFOX or XELOX), have ECOG performance status 0–2, no severe psychiatric disorder, no hearing or speech impairments, and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with ECOG ≥3, active severe psychiatric illness, those receiving radiotherapy, or individuals who cannot use VR equipment (e.g., due to severe motion sickness or sensory impairments) may not benefit from the interventions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 78 adult patients with colorectal cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy and assign them to a virtual reality art therapy group, a physical art therapy group, or a control group. Participants in the two intervention arms will attend four art therapy sessions delivered every two weeks over eight weeks, using either in-person drawing materials or a VR painting app and headset. Anxiety, psychological well-being, and sleep quality will be measured with validated scales before the first session and after the fourth session. The trial is conducted at Dokuz Eylul University Hospital and aims to compare the two non-pharmacological approaches to supportive care during chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these therapies could offer a drug-free way to reduce anxiety, boost psychological well-being, and improve sleep for colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies of art therapy and some pilot VR interventions in oncology supportive care have shown promising effects on anxiety and mood, but large randomized trials are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Age 18 years or older Diagnosed with colorectal cancer Receiving outpatient chemotherapy (FOLFOX or XELOX regimen) ECOG performance status between 0 and 2 Not receiving radiotherapy No hearing or speech impairments No severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder) Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent Willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria ECOG performance status of 3 or higher Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria Patients unwilling to participate in the study
Where it's running
-
Dokuz Eylul University Hospital
Izmir, Balçova, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Esra Uslu Tanis, Msc
- Email: essrausl@gmail.com
- Phone: +0905070049860
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.