Using virtual reality to manage pain in children with cancer

Use of Virtual Reality in Pain Management During Invasive Gestures in Pediatric Oncology: Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Réunion · NCT05592132

This study is testing if using virtual reality helmets can help reduce pain for children with cancer during medical procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment74 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Réunion Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint-Denis)
Trial IDNCT05592132 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality helmets in reducing pain during invasive medical procedures for pediatric oncology patients. It involves a randomized controlled design with two groups: one receiving standard care plus virtual reality and the other receiving standard care alone. Pain intensity will be measured using a visual analog scale during procedures such as central venous catheter puncture, lumbar puncture, and bone marrow aspiration. The study aims to determine if virtual reality can significantly alleviate pain in children undergoing these treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years undergoing painful medical procedures related to benign tumors or cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with visual or hearing impairments, neurological diseases, or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological method to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients during invasive procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management in various settings, suggesting potential success for this approach in pediatric oncology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patient who tolerates the virtual reality headset
* patient followed in pediatric oncology
* patient with a diagnosis of benign tumor or cancer
* patient who needs to have painful medical procedure during their treatment
* patient whose parents have signed the informed consent
* patient affiliated with social security or equivalent

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient with visual or hearing impairement
* patient with epilepsy or other neurological disease
* patient with psychiatric disease

Where this trial is running

Saint-Denis

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pediatric Tumor
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.