Using virtual reality to help manage symptoms in patients receiving stem cell transplants
Symptom Management in the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Population Using Virtual Reality
This study tests if using virtual reality can help people getting stem cell transplants feel less pain, anxiety, and depression compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06798701 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial compares the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a symptom management tool against standard care for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The study aims to assess how VR can alleviate significant symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and pain by providing immersive experiences that distract patients from their hospital environment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use VR for relaxation and distraction or receive standard care during their inpatient stay. The trial will also evaluate the use of supportive medications and any barriers to implementing VR in the hospital setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients aged 18 and older who are admitted for planned HSCT and are alert and oriented.
Not a fit: Patients with known brain metastases or uncontrolled intercurrent illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life and symptom management for patients undergoing HSCT.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for symptom management in clinical settings, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (≥ 18 years old) admitted to Roswell Park on 5 North for planned hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) * Must be alert and oriented (Glascow Coma Scale of 15, Nursing Universal Flowsheet) and able to consent to participate in the study * Expected to be admitted to Roswell Park inpatient unit for ≥ 1 week * Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with known brain metastases should be excluded from this clinical trial because of their poor prognosis and because they often develop progressive neurologic dysfunction that would confound the evaluation of neurologic and other adverse events * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements * Pregnant patients * Incarcerated patients * Patients who are unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements * Individuals that are prone to motion sickness, nausea, dizziness, history of seizure, potential for seizure, history of delirium, at risk for confusion, etc * Participants with audio and/or visual impairments that would preclude them from using a VR device
Where this trial is running
Buffalo, New York
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute — Buffalo, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Heather Huizinga — Roswell Park Cancer Institute
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.