Using virtual reality to help cancer patients during radiotherapy
RADIOACTIVE - Radiotherapy Patient Education With Virtual Reality
This study tests if using virtual reality can help cancer patients feel less anxious and more satisfied during their radiotherapy treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06506435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how virtual reality experiences can reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction for individuals undergoing radiotherapy. Participants will be exposed to different virtual reality techniques, including first-person and third-person videos, and compared to a standard 2D informational video. The goal is to identify the most effective virtual reality strategies to enhance the patient experience during treatment. The study is conducted at the University of Miami, focusing on patients with histologically proven cancer.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with histologically proven cancer who are receiving radiotherapy at the University of Miami.
Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone radiation therapy or those with serious medical conditions that compromise safety may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the overall treatment experience for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific application in radiotherapy for anxiety reduction is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Histologically proven cancer 2. ≥18 years of age 3. Able to speak and read English and/or Spanish 4. Receiving radiotherapy at the University of Miami Exclusion Criteria: 1. Prior radiation therapy 2. Pregnant or nursing women 3. Men or women of childbearing potential who are unwilling to employ adequate contraception 4. Patients unable to consent or are prisoners 5. Participants with impaired decision-making capacity 6. Any serious illness or medical condition that would compromise patient safety during virtual reality as judged by the treating physician 7. Unwilling or unable to watch virtual reality video 8. Unwilling to fill out survey forms
Where this trial is running
Miami, Florida
- University of Miami — Miami, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benjamin J Rich, MD — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Benjamin J Rich, MD
- Email: brich@miami.edu
- Phone: 305-243-4200
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.