Virtual Reality Intervention to Improve Psychological Symptom Burden for Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment

Purpose

This clinical trial tests the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a virtual reality intervention to improve psychological symptom burden for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that allows users to experience and interact with three-dimensional, computer-generated environments that simulate the real world or imagined settings. The VR intervention consists of a preloaded with immersive environments designed to engage the senses through simulated sights and sounds. This may include a walk through of a serene forest, exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, or standing at the base of a majestic waterfall. These environments are created to provide a relaxing and engaging experience. Completing the VR intervention may be a safe and effective way to improve quality of life, reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and promote healthy living for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Conditions

  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorder
  • Depression
  • Hematopoietic and Lymphoid System Neoplasm
  • Malignant Solid Neoplasm
  • Cancer

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 90 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • History of cancer - Age between 18 to 90 years - Undergoing in-patient chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant (BMT), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-t, & out-patient chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of bipolar disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), psychotic disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorder, substance use disorder other than caffeine or tobacco. History of suicidal ideation or attempt - History of treatment resistant depression, psychiatric hospitalization, syncope, transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke, epilepsy, electroconvulsive therapy, benign positional vertigo, Meniere's disease

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Virtual Reality (VR) Headset Intervention 		Participants will undergo a single VR session to assess feasibility, tolerability, and changes in anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
  • Other: Questionnaire Administration
    Participants will complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
  • Other: Virtual Reality (VR) Intervention
    Participants will engage in a single-session immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience lasting approximately 20-30 minutes. The VR content will include calming, guided experiences such as nature scenes, meditation, or breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation and reduce psychological distress. The intervention will be administered in a clinical setting.
    Other names:
    • VR Intervention
    • Virtual Technology
    • VR Headset

Recruiting Locations

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Mayo Clinic

Study Contact

Wendi Lehman
904-953-8742
lehman.wendi@mayo.edu

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