Anxiety & Depression Association of America

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

Arm	Description	Assigned 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

Notice

Study information shown on this site is derived from ClinicalTrials.gov (a public registry operated by the National Institutes of Health). The listing of studies provided is not certain to be all studies for which you might be eligible. Furthermore, study eligibility requirements can be difficult to understand and may change over time, so it is wise to speak with your medical care provider and individual research study teams when making decisions related to participation.