Using virtual reality to help improve mental health and pain in head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers

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 clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a three-dimensional (3D) mindfulness virtual reality (VR) intervention compared to a two-dimensional (2D) non-immersive VR intervention in reducing depression, anxiety, and pain in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation, as well as their caregivers. Participants will be assigned to either the 3D VR group, which includes resilience skills training sessions, or the 2D VR group, which features nature and beach scenarios. Both groups will use a Fitbit to monitor their health metrics throughout the study. The trial aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of these interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative

  * Assent, when appropriate, will be obtained per institutional guidelines
* PATIENTS: ≥ 18 years
* PATIENTS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
* PATIENTS: Ambulatory (permitted to use walking aids such as cane or crutch)
* PATIENTS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
* PATIENTS: Scheduled to undergo C/RT for their HNC
* CAREGIVERS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative

  * Assent, when appropriate, will be obtained per institutional guidelines
* CAREGIVERS: ≥ 18 years
* CAREGIVERS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
* CAREGIVERS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
* CAREGIVERS: A care giver identified by the patient and defined as a person who knows the patient well and is involved in the patient's medical care

Exclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS: An employee who is under the direct/ indirect supervision of the principal investigator (PI)/ a co-investigator/ the study manager
* PATIENTS: A direct study team member
* PATIENTS: Inability to complete the surveys
* PATIENTS: Serious mental illness
* PATIENTS: Previous head and neck cancer treatment
* PATIENTS: History of any psychiatric disease treatment with anti-depressants, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain (\> 3 months)
* PATIENTS: Cancer in or around the eyes or ears; visual, hearing or cognitive impairment
* CAREGIVERS: An employee who is under the direct/ indirect supervision of the PI/ a co-investigator/ the study manager
* CAREGIVERS: A direct study team member
* CAREGIVERS: Inability to complete the surveys
* CAREGIVERS: Serious mental illness
* CAREGIVERS: History of any psychiatric disease treatment with anti-depressants, substance abuse, PTSD

Where it's running

• City of Hope Medical Center
  Duarte, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Krupal Patel — City of Hope Medical Center

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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.