Using virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety during cancer procedures
Effects of Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety in Cancer Patients Undergoing Painful Procedures
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help cancer patients feel less pain and anxiety during tough procedures like bone marrow biopsies.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03568292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in alleviating pain and anxiety for cancer patients undergoing painful procedures such as bone marrow biopsies or lumbar punctures. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive VR intervention during the procedure or standard care. The study aims to assess the feasibility of VR, measure differences in pain and anxiety levels between the two groups, and document any adverse events related to the VR use. Additionally, it explores the potential of biomarkers to reflect the intervention's impact.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized cancer patients undergoing bone marrow biopsies or lumbar punctures at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Not a fit: Patients with certain neurological disorders, psychiatric illnesses, or other specific medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the comfort and emotional well-being of cancer patients during painful medical procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain and anxiety management, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient has been diagnosed with any cancer * Patient is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment for a primary or secondary cancer at University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital * Patient is undergoing a bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to sign informed assent and/or consent * Patient with an underlying diagnosis of epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson?s disease, primary central nervous system malignancy, brain metastasis, underlying inflammatory or infectious central nervous system disorder, inner ear infection, history of vertigo, baseline visual or hearing impairment, macular degeneration, untreated glaucoma, implantable medical devices or any medical condition that investigator deems contraindicated * Patient with an underlying chronic pain disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or other psychiatric illness unspecified * Patient with active Clostridium difficile infection * Patient on any acute (within last \< 24 hour \[hr\]) or chronic pain medication (opioid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug \[NSAID\], steroid) * Patient on chronic steroids \> 10 mg prednisone equivalent daily or other immunosuppressant \> 1 week * Patient who is post bone marrow transplant * Patient with a body mass index (BMI) \> 35
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacek Pinski, MD — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Cheryl Kefauver, RN
- Email: Cheryl.Kefauver@med.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-865-0459
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.