Using virtual reality to enhance patient experience during brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Official title: Using Virtual Reality Technology to Improve Patient Experience and Quality of Care During Brachytherapy
Run by University of Arkansas · NCT05440760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using virtual reality during brachytherapy can make the experience better for women with cervical cancer by reducing pain and improving satisfaction.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Arkansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 8, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05440760 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are females aged 18 and older with a histopathologic diagnosis of gynecologic cancer requiring intracavitary brachytherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe vision or hearing impairments, certain phobias, or significant medical conditions that may interfere with the use of VR will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of integrating virtual reality (VR) distraction into the clinical workflow of brachytherapy for patients with endocervical cancer. Participants will undergo four rounds of brachytherapy, with two sessions incorporating VR distraction and two without, using a crossover design. The study will assess patient satisfaction, pain levels, and the need for analgesics or anxiolytics during treatment. Randomized treatment sequences will ensure a balanced evaluation of the VR intervention's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance patient comfort and satisfaction during brachytherapy treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of VR in medical settings is gaining traction, this specific application in brachytherapy for cervical cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female, ≥ 18 years of age * Histopathologic diagnosis of gynecologic cancer (endometrial, cervical, vaginal, vulvar) that requires intracavitary brachytherapy with a tandem or interstitial brachytherapy * Able to provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe vision or hearing problems that may hinder the ability to see or hear clearly through the VR headset or other condition that may interfere with the placement of the VR headset such as a head, ear or facial wound * History of seizure disorder, severe motion sickness, dizziness, or migraine headaches precipitated by visual auras * Known history of elevated intraocular pressure * Claustrophobia, thalassophobia, cleithrophobia or similar phobias * Any other significant medical or psychiatric conditions which, in the opinion of the enrolling investigator, may interfere with consent or compliance of the treatment regimen
Where it's running
-
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Santanu Samanta, MD — University of Arkansas
- Study coordinator: Joseph A Holley
- Email: jaholley@uams.edu
- Phone: 501-686-8274
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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.