Using virtual reality to reduce distress during chemotherapy for cancer patients
Decreasing Chemotherapy Induced Distress Using Immersive Virtual Reality in Patients With Cancer
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help cancer patients feel less anxious and depressed during chemotherapy compared to regular activities like reading or watching TV.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation, chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Weston, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06446115 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if immersive virtual reality (VR) can help reduce psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression, in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR group, where they will use a VR headset with customizable relaxing backgrounds during their chemotherapy session, or a standard care group, where they can choose alternative activities like reading or watching TV. The study focuses on improving the quality of life for patients by addressing both psychological and physical symptoms associated with cancer treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a biopsy-proven cancer diagnosis and a distress score of 5 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with no prior history of cancer, or individuals with severe motion sickness or seizures may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the emotional well-being of cancer patients during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain and anxiety management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Biopsy proven diagnosis of Cancer (any stage or type). * Must have a National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer Score ≥ 5 any time since diagnosis. * Must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document * Followed by a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and/or breast surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. * Ability to read and write in English or Spanish. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<18 years. * No prior history of Cancer. * Prior medical history of severe motion sickness. * Prior medical history of seizures * Pregnancy. * Unable or unwilling to participate in the immersive Virtual Reality study at the Maroone Cancer Center
Where this trial is running
Weston, Florida
- Cleveland Clinic Florida, Maroone Cancer Center — Weston, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zeina Nahleh, MD FACP — Cleveland Clinic Florida, Maroone Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Zeina Nahleh, MD FACP
- Email: nahlehz@ccf.org
- Phone: (954) 659-5840
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.