Using virtual reality to ease pain during medical procedures for young cancer patients
Impact of Virtual Reality in Hematology and Oncology for the Management of Pain During Invasive Procedures in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults, 7 to Under 25 Years in a Pilot Study
This study is testing if virtual reality can help young cancer patients feel less pain and anxiety during medical procedures compared to standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Poitiers University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Poitiers) |
| Trial ID | NCT05275881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of using virtual reality (VR) as a method of medical hypnosis during invasive procedures in children and young adults with cancer. Participants aged 7 to under 25 will be randomly assigned to receive either VR or standard treatment options, which include nitrous oxide and various analgesics. The study seeks to determine if VR can provide similar benefits in managing pain and anxiety as traditional methods. The research is motivated by the need for effective pain management strategies in pediatric oncology, where invasive procedures can be particularly distressing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and young adults aged 7 to under 25 with hematological or oncological conditions requiring lumbar punctures or chemotherapy via implantable venous access.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments or contraindications to using a virtual reality headset may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and anxiety for young cancer patients undergoing invasive procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that virtual reality can effectively reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 7 to strictly under 25 * Follow-ups for hematological or oncological pathology * With a lumbar puncture or to connection to an implantable chamber * Patient understanding French * Consent of parents or guardians with parental authority. * Child informed and having given his assent Exclusion Criteria: * Children with cognitive impairment * Children in absolute emergency situations * Children with a contraindication to a virtual reality headset (psychiatric pathology, vestibular and proprioceptive disorders, unbalanced epilepsy, impaired vision, hearing aids, claustrophobia, recent lesions of the eyes, face or scalp) * Children who have already participated in the clinical investigation * Refusal to participate in the study * Patients not benefiting from a social security system or not benefiting from it by the intermediary of a third person
Where this trial is running
Poitiers
- CHU poitiers — Poitiers, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amandine AF FERNANDES — Poitiers University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Amandine AF FERNANDES
- Email: amandine.fernandes@chu-poitiers.fr
- Phone: +33549444578
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.