Virtual reality therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain

A Feasibility Study on Gut-Directed Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain Related to Chronic Pancreatitis

NA · Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT06362187

This study is testing whether a home-based virtual reality therapy can help adults with chronic pancreatitis pain feel better and improve their quality of life without using traditional pain medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCedars-Sinai Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06362187 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a home-based virtual reality cognitive behavioral therapy (VR CBT) on patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis (CP) pain. The study will utilize questionnaires and biometric data from Fitbits to assess clinical and functional outcomes. By immersing patients in engaging virtual environments, the therapy seeks to alleviate pain and improve quality of life without relying on traditional pain medications. Adult patients diagnosed with CP will be enrolled to participate in this innovative approach to pain management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-75 with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and clinically significant abdominal pain.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that interfere with virtual reality usage or those with cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a novel, drug-free method for managing chronic pain in patients with pancreatitis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of CP \[as determined by Cambridge 3-4 imaging classification (using CT, MRI, or MRCP) or a histologic diagnosis of CP\]
* Clinically significant abdominal pain, measured using the standardized NIH PROMIS GI Pain Scale14 and defined as scoring at least 5 points above the nationally normed score (0.5 SD effect size), indicating equal or greater than the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) of abdominal pain
* Are 18-75 years of age
* Are able to read/write English. The study does not include non-English speakers as to current study material are only available in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are presenting with a condition that interferes with VR usage (e.g., seizures, facial injury precluding safe placement of headset, visual impairment)
* Patients who have cognitive impairment that affects protocol participation
* Patients who are recommended for long-term hospitalization
* Patients who are estimated to live \<3 months from the time of enrollment
* Patients who have been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor
* Patients who have been enrolled in an interventional/therapeutic drug trial for chronic or recurrent pancreatitis within the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Pancreatitis, Recurrent Pancreatitis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.