Using virtual reality and brain stimulation to help cancer patients with depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study explores the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, specifically virtual reality-based cognitive remediation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, in treating depression among cancer patients. It aims to address the significant gaps in managing depressive symptoms in oncology patients, who often go untreated despite their needs. The study will compare these innovative approaches to standard treatment as usual, assessing their impact on depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of oncological disease in the last 5 years
* Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, without psychotic symptoms, according to DSM-5 criteria
* 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17) (score ≥14)
* Age: 18 years or older
* Oncological disease in a non-advanced stage (Karnofsky Performance Status \> 80)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or prior hospitalization in the next 6 months
* Planned surgery in the next 6 months
* Suicidal ideation
* Substance use
* History of significant head trauma, neurological disorders, intellectual deficits
* Recurrent seizures resulting from head trauma or conditions lowering seizure threshold
* Concurrent use of medications that increase the risk of epileptic seizures (e.g., antipsychotics, tricyclics, theophylline)
* Glaucoma, retinal detachment, or other serious vision impairments that may prevent the use of virtual reality technology
* Severe problems with autonomous ambulation

Where it's running

• Health Trust, Ferrara
  Ferrara, Fe, Italy Recruiting
• University Hospital of Cagliari
  Cagliari, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Luigi Grassi, MD, PhD — Università degli Studi di Ferrara
• Study coordinator: Martino Belvederi Murri, MD
• Email: martino.belvederimurri@unife.it
• Phone: 00393335248720

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Biomarkers That Signal Silent Strokes in High-Risk Cardiac Procedures

  This study tests whether blood biomarkers NSE and NFLs can predict silent brain injuries and later cognitive problems in adults having high-risk transcatheter heart procedures.

  Recruiting Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki · Thessaloniki · NCT07844850

• Blood-based tests and digital cognitive checks to help triage dementia

  This study tests whether adding blood biomarkers, APOE4 genetic info, and digital cognitive tests can help dementia diagnosis be faster in NHS Memory Clinics.

  Recruiting at 11 sites Prima Mente · London, Greater London and 11 other locations · NCT07842029

• Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health Initiative

  This study tests whether targeted cognitive and heart-health interventions can help improve thinking skills in adults with cardiovascular disease.

  Recruiting National Heart Centre Singapore · Singapore and 3 other locations · NCT07829380

• Synbiotic blend of LA-5 and agave inulin for mild cognitive impairment

  This pilot crossover study tests whether a synbiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and agave inulin can help adults aged 60–75 with mild cognitive impairment.

  Recruiting Anahuac University · Mexico City, Mexico City · NCT07818369

• Immediate vs progressive standing dual-task training for older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment

  This study tests whether starting with immediate standing dual-task training is better or worse than progressively increasing the difficulty for older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

  Recruiting Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University · Islamabad, Capital · NCT07764250

• Can a phone version of the Mini-Cog identify cognitive impairment before surgery?

  This study tests whether a telephone-based Mini-Cog can reliably detect cognitive impairment in adults 65 and older before they have surgery.

  Recruiting University of British Columbia · Vancouver, British Columbia · NCT07760545

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.