Using Virtual Reality to Manage Symptoms in Cancer Patients

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 study explores the use of a Multimodal Integrative Therapy (MIT) delivered through a Virtual Reality (VR) program to help manage chronic symptoms in cancer patients after treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR intervention or an audio intervention, engaging in their assigned program five times a week for five weeks. The study aims to collect pilot data on the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing pain, fatigue, sleep issues, depression, and anxiety. All procedures will take place over a ten-week period, including an initial enrollment visit and follow-up check-in calls.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ages 18-88
* Cancer diagnosis (histology verified)
* Had surgical intervention, completed chemotherapy or radiation for therapeutic purposes

  -\>3 months since last cancer treatment, but participants currently undergoing endocrine or immunotherapy treatments are permissible
* Documented symptoms of cancer or cancer therapy including at least one of the following: pain, anxiety, sleep difficulty, fatigue, neuropathy
* English speaker (written and spoken)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe psychiatric condition (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, autism) leading to hospitalization within the last 3 years
* Any personal (or family first degree) history of mania, schizophrenia, or other psychoses
* Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, neuropathy, fatigue, sleep or anxiety disorder prior to cancer diagnosis
* Current Hospice or palliative care only recipients
* Color-blindness
* Impaired or uncorrected hearing
* Lifetime alcohol/drug dependence or alcohol/drug abuse in past 3 months
* Conditions that would interfere with the VR mask placement (e.g. trauma, burn, infection)
* Known history of severe motion sickness
* Pregnancy or breast feeding

Where it's running

• Luana Colloca
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
• University of Maryland
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Katia Matychak, MS
• Email: katiamatychak@umaryland.edu
• Phone: 410-706-5975

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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.