Virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic cancer pain
Official title: Cognitive Behavioral Theory-assisted Virtual Reality for Chronic Cancer Pain (VR-CAN): Device Prototype Development and Feasibility Testing
Run by Medstar Health Research Institute · NCT07318519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether a virtual reality program that delivers cognitive behavioral therapy can help adults with chronic cancer pain feel less pain than a two-dimensional tablet program.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medstar Health Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07318519 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) with a cancer diagnosis who are receiving treatment and have chronic cancer pain for at least three months with average pain ≥4/10, who can use a VR headset and complete measures in English or Spanish, are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intractable nausea or motion sickness, seizure disorders or cranial abnormalities preventing headset use, primarily non-cancer pain, enrollment in another pain study, or inability to complete English or Spanish surveys are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The team will develop and refine a CBT-assisted virtual reality (VR) prototype specifically tailored for people with chronic cancer pain. They will then conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing the VR-CBT program to an active two-dimensional tablet-delivered control. Eligible participants are adults with cancer on treatment who have had cancer-related pain for at least three months and report average pain of ≥4/10; outcomes will include pain intensity, function, and usability measures. The work is led by MedStar Health Research Institute and Duke University School of Medicine with support from the National Cancer Institute.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce persistent cancer pain, improve function and quality of life, and provide a non-drug pain management option.
How similar studies have gone: Prior VR interventions have reduced acute pain and helped in some chronic pain conditions, but few randomized trials have tested VR programs specifically designed with CBT for persistent cancer pain, so this approach is only partially tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age at least 18 years old * cancer diagnosis, undergoing treatment * chronic cancer pain (i.e., cancer pain at least 3 months duration) with baseline pain severity at least 4/10 (where 0=no pain, 10=worst pain) Exclusion Criteria: * intractable nausea/vomiting, motion sickness, seizures/epilepsy, and/or cranial structures/abnormalities preventing VR headset use * moderate-severe pain of non-cancer etiology * enrolled in another pain study * unable to complete survey measures or interviews in English or Spanish
Where it's running
-
MedStar Health Research Institute
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hunter Groninger, MD
- Email: hunter.groninger@medstar.net
- Phone: 202-877-7445
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.