VR Therapy for Bone Marrow Transplant

Overseen By Areej El-Jawahri, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Benign hematologic conditions, Outpatient BMT, Unstable psychiatric conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: During hospitalization

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a virtual reality (VR) program called BMT-VR, designed to improve quality of life and reduce stress for patients hospitalized for a bone marrow transplant. The study will compare two groups: one using the VR program alongside regular care, and the other continuing with usual care only. It seeks adults with blood cancers who are hospitalized for their transplant and can understand English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance patient well-being during treatment.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this VR therapy is safe for bone marrow transplant patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) treatments can reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain in patients facing situations similar to those undergoing a bone marrow transplant. This suggests that VR is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies on VR in healthcare have not reported major safety concerns. In this context, VR uses technology to create an immersive, interactive world that helps patients cope better.

The specific VR program, BMT-VR, aims to support patients by providing education and helping them manage their emotions during and after their transplant. This type of program focuses on emotional and mental support. So far, no significant reports of harm or negative side effects have emerged from using VR in similar settings.

Because this trial is not in a typical clinical phase, VR is already considered to have a good safety profile. VR enhances the care patients already receive, adding support without replacing standard treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the VR Therapy for Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT-VR) because it offers a unique and innovative approach to improving the transplant experience. Unlike standard care, which primarily focuses on the physical aspects of treatment, BMT-VR incorporates virtual reality to enhance psychological well-being and quality of life during hospitalization. This method provides an immersive environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common challenges during bone marrow transplants. By offering a new dimension of care that addresses both mental and emotional health, BMT-VR has the potential to transform patient experiences and outcomes.

What evidence suggests that the BMT-VR intervention is effective for improving quality of life and psychological distress in bone marrow transplant patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and pain in patients undergoing treatments similar to bone marrow transplants. In this trial, participants in the BMT-VR Group will complete the BMT-VR intervention during their BMT hospitalization. Studies have found that VR provides a new way to address the emotional needs of patients. Previous findings suggest that VR therapy is both practical and well-received by individuals in this situation. It educates patients and builds skills to better cope, manage expectations, and feel more in control during their hospital stay. By using VR, patients may experience a better quality of life and less emotional distress. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Areej El-Jawahri, MD

Principal Investigator

Massachusetts General Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 with blood cancer, admitted for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). It's not suitable for those with benign blood conditions or acute psychiatric/cognitive issues that prevent informed consent or following the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to comprehend, read, and respond to questions in English as BMT-VR is only available in English

I am over 18 and have a blood cancer, scheduled for a bone marrow transplant.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with acute or unstable psychiatric or cognitive conditions which the treating clinicians believes prohibits informed consent or compliance with study procedures

I am receiving a bone marrow transplant as an outpatient.

I am having a bone marrow transplant for a non-cancerous blood condition.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the BMT-VR intervention during their BMT hospitalization, which includes six sections focused on education and coping strategies

During hospitalization

Inpatient

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for quality of life and psychological outcomes through questionnaires at baseline, 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks

24 weeks

Questionnaires at baseline, 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks

Extension

Participants may continue to be monitored for long-term outcomes beyond the initial follow-up period

Beyond 24 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• BMT-VR

Trial Overview The study tests a virtual reality (VR) program designed to improve life quality and reduce stress in BMT patients. Participants will either receive this VR intervention plus standard care, or just standard care, assigned randomly.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: BMT-VR Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

* Participants will complete the BMT-VR intervention during their BMT hospitalization, which contains six sections. * Participants will receive usual transplant care by their BMT team * Participants will complete study questionnaires to assess their quality of life and psychological outcomes * 10-20 participants will complete exit interviews to ascertain more feedback on the BMT-VR intervention.

Group II: Usual care Active Control 1 Intervention

* Participants will receive usual transplant care by their BMT team * Participants will complete study questionnaires to assess their quality of life and psychological outcomes

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A systematic review of 17 studies involving 799 cancer patients found that virtual reality (VR) significantly improved pain, anxiety, upper extremity function, and quality of life after intervention, indicating its efficacy in cancer rehabilitation.

VR not only alleviated physical and psychological symptoms but also showed positive effects on cognitive function, suggesting it can be a valuable addition to comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of virtual reality on physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in cancer rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hao, J., Li, Y., Swanson, R., et al.[2023]

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a critical and increasingly common treatment for life-threatening diseases in both children and adults, but it comes with significant physical and psychological risks.

The study identifies seven key psychiatric and psychosocial concerns related to BMT, highlighting the importance of research and interventions to support patients, donors, and their families throughout the transplantation process.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychiatric and psychosocial aspects of bone marrow transplantation. Andrykowski, MA.[2007]

A study involving 42 adult patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation found that guided imagery using virtual reality improved health-related quality of life scores, although these improvements were not statistically significant.

The research highlighted a significant positive correlation between quality of life, fatigue, and neutropenia across different stages of treatment, suggesting that integrative practices like guided imagery could help address these challenges during recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guided imagery relaxation in quality of life of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a quasi-experiment. Silva, LAAD., Machado, CAM., Santana, EO., et al.[2022]

Virtual reality (VR) interventions have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, and fatigue in cancer patients, based on a meta-analysis of 6 studies.

The findings suggest that while VR is effective for managing acute symptoms during cancer treatment, further research is needed to explore its benefits for long-term side effects in cancer survivorship care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions in Cancer-Related Symptom Management. Zeng, Y., Zhang, JE., Cheng, ASK., et al.[2020]

Virtual reality (VR) therapy has shown potential to improve clinical outcomes, such as reduced pain and anxiety, in adult patients undergoing surgical procedures, based on a review of 18 studies.

Factors like patient comfort and healthcare worker concerns about cost-effectiveness and infection control influence the acceptability and feasibility of VR therapy in acute care settings, indicating a need for further research to solidify its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual reality interventions and the outcome measures of adult patients in acute care settings undergoing surgical procedures: An integrative review. Wang, S., Lim, SH., Aloweni, FBAB.[2022]

In a study of 437 patients evaluated for bone marrow transplantation, 31% exhibited signs of depression, indicating a significant prevalence of psychological distress among this population.

Psychological distress was linked to lower performance scores and levels of mastery and optimism, highlighting the importance of assessing mental health and providing psychiatric support for patients undergoing evaluation for BMT.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychological distress among adult patients being evaluated for bone marrow transplantation. Baker, F., Marcellus, D., Zabora, J., et al.[2007]

Quality of life (QOL) assessments are becoming essential for evaluating the outcomes of bone marrow transplantation (BMT), highlighting both acute and long-term psychosocial challenges faced by recipients.

Interventions such as addressing coping styles, promoting aerobic exercise, reducing anxiety, and ensuring consistent support from healthcare staff can significantly enhance the psychosocial adjustment and overall QOL of BMT patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Quality of life following bone marrow transplantation. Wingard, JR.[2019]

Art therapy was successfully introduced as a supportive intervention for nine adult bone marrow transplant patients in isolation, with sessions held twice a week, demonstrating its feasibility in a clinical setting.

Patients effectively used art therapy to enhance positive feelings, reduce distress, and explore existential issues, indicating that this non-verbal approach may particularly benefit those facing emotional conflicts related to life and death.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Art therapy with adult bone marrow transplant patients in isolation: a pilot study. Gabriel, B., Bromberg, E., Vandenbovenkamp, J., et al.[2019]

Research on bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has expanded beyond biomedical aspects to include important psychosocial issues, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to patient care.

Key areas of psychosocial research in BMT include decision-making before the procedure, coping and quality of life after the procedure, and the experiences of bone marrow donors, indicating that understanding these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial factors in bone marrow transplantation: a review and recommendations for research. Andrykowski, MA.[2019]

In a study involving 20 hospitalized participants aged 19-70, virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly improved 8 out of 10 symptoms related to distress, including depression, anxiety, and pain, after receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The findings suggest that VR is a promising low-cost intervention for alleviating distressing symptoms in patients post-transplant, highlighting its potential for further research in managing prolonged hospitalizations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality for Symptom Management in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Quality Improvement Initiative. Vega, C., Whitney, RL., Hannah, J., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11180582/

A Novel Psychosocial Virtual Reality Intervention (BMT-VR) ... Virtual reality offers an innovative modality to deliver a patient-centered psychosocial intervention to address psychosocial needs of patients undergoing HSCT.

2. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.1504

A novel virtual reality supportive care intervention (BMT-VR ... Conclusions: A novel VR-delivered supportive care intervention tailored to the psychosocial needs of HSCT recipients is feasible and acceptable ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714424001332

A novel psychosocial virtual reality intervention (BMT-VR) ... This study entails a single-center RCT of BMT-VR compared to usual transplant care in 80 patients hospitalized for HSCT.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-bone-marrow-transplant-complications-11-2022-fcb2e

VR Therapy for Bone Marrow Transplant · Info for Participants Research shows that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and pain in patients undergoing treatments similar to bone marrow ...

5. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38685401/

A novel psychosocial virtual reality intervention (BMT-VR) for ... Virtual reality offers an innovative modality to deliver a patient-centered psychosocial intervention to address psychosocial needs of patients undergoing HSCT.

6. cancer.gov cancer.gov/research/participate/clinical-trials-search/v?id=NCI-2022-10341

Virtual Reality Intervention (BMT-VR) for the Reduction of ... This clinical trial tests the effect of virtual reality psychosocial intervention (BMT-VR) in reducing distress in patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant.

7. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05629676/virtual-reality-intervention-for-patients-undergoing-bmt

Virtual Reality Intervention for Patients Undergoing BMT BMT-VR is a self-administered virtual reality psychosocial intervention to address the supportive care needs of patients undergoing BMT.