Virtual reality versus calming music to reduce anxiety and pain during breast biopsies
Virtual Reality vs. Music Relaxation for Reducing Anxiety and Pain During Breast Biopsies
This trial will see if a VR mindful meditation app or calming music helps women undergoing breast biopsies feel less anxious and in less pain than standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07310004 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Women scheduled for ultrasound-guided or stereotactic breast biopsies are randomized to use a VR mindful meditation app, listen to standard calming music, or receive usual care during their procedure. Anxiety and pain are measured with validated patient-reported scales, and an optional physiological stress marker may be collected to quantify stress response. Participants also complete satisfaction and procedure-specific questionnaires after the biopsy to capture patient experience. The protocol excludes individuals with epilepsy, severe motion sickness, severe cognitive impairment, or recent use of anxiolytic medication immediately prior to the biopsy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women age 18 or older who are scheduled for an ultrasound-guided or stereotactic breast biopsy and can provide informed consent are appropriate candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy, severe motion sickness, severe cognitive impairment, or who took anxiolytic medication immediately before the biopsy may not be suitable and are unlikely to benefit from the VR component.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low-risk, non-drug option to reduce procedure-related anxiety and pain and improve comfort during breast biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small trials of VR or music during minor procedures have often shown reduced anxiety and pain, but head-to-head comparisons specifically for breast biopsy are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Females aged 18 years or older. * Scheduled for an ultrasound-guided or stereotactic breast biopsy. * Capable of understanding and providing informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a history of epilepsy, motion sickness, or severe cognitive impairment (for the VR group). * Use of anxiolytic medication immediately prior to the biopsy.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Westwood — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Taylor L Johnson
- Email: taylorjohnson@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-889-4607
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.