Virtual Reality for Breast Cancer Surgery

(VR-PREP Trial)

Overseen By Cindy Kin, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Stanford University

Disqualifiers: Physical limitations, Inability to consent, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how virtual reality (VR) can assist patients in preparing for and recovering from breast or axilla surgery. Participants will engage in VR-based physical therapy exercises before and after their surgery. Some will also receive live support from a physical therapist via video calls. The trial seeks individuals scheduled for breast or axilla surgery at Stanford, who have internet access, and can perform basic physical activities like standing up from a chair without major balance issues. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative recovery methods and contribute to advancing surgical care.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the 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 method is safe for surgical patients?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) aids patients in recovering from breast cancer surgery. Studies have found that VR enhances both emotional and physical well-being during rehabilitation. In one study, patients reported improved arm movement after surgery with VR. No serious side effects, such as bleeding or skin problems, have been reported. Another study found that using VR before surgery was practical and acceptable for patients.

Overall, VR seems to be a safe method for aiding recovery and preparation for surgery. Patients have received it well, with no major safety concerns reported in these studies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) for breast cancer surgery because it offers a new way to prepare and recover. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which typically involves in-person sessions, the VR approach allows patients to engage in prehabilitation and rehabilitation through immersive VR modules. This method could make therapy more accessible and convenient, especially for those with limited mobility or travel challenges. Additionally, the intervention group includes live support from physical therapists via Zoom, which combines the flexibility of virtual reality with personalized care, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes.

What evidence suggests that VR for surgical prehabilitation and rehabilitation is effective for breast cancer surgery?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can be a helpful tool for people recovering from breast cancer surgery. Studies have found that VR improves both physical and emotional well-being. For instance, VR assists with arm movement, often a concern after breast surgery. In this trial, participants in the control group will access prehabilitation and rehabilitation VR modules only, while those in the intervention group will also receive live physical therapist support via Zoom. Patients using VR for rehabilitation have reported positive experiences, noting improvements in their mental health. Additionally, early findings suggest that VR can be a useful and supportive tool before surgery, helping patients prepare. Overall, using VR in this way appears promising for aiding recovery and improving quality of life. ^{2 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults over 18 who will have breast or axilla surgery at Stanford, can sit and stand without major balance problems, and don't suffer from chronic vertigo. Participants need a stable chair at home, internet with Wifi, and must be able to do up to 4 weeks of pre-surgery prep and up to 8 weeks post-surgery rehab in English.

Inclusion Criteria

I will have surgery on my breast or underarm area at Stanford.

Have access to internet and stable Wifi at home

I do not suffer from ongoing dizziness or vomiting.

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to give consent by myself.

I cannot do physical therapy because of my physical limitations.

Inability to complete a brief online survey at three time points during the duration of the study

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Prehabilitation

Participants engage in virtual reality physical therapy modules to prepare for surgery

6 weeks

Remote sessions

Rehabilitation

Participants engage in virtual reality physical therapy modules to recover from surgery

6 weeks

Remote sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for engagement and effectiveness of the VR physical therapy modules

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• VR for Surgical Prehabilitation and Rehabilitation

Trial Overview The study tests if using Virtual Reality (VR) modules alone or combined with live physical therapist support helps patients prepare for and recover from breast or axilla surgery. It's a randomized trial where participants are put into groups by chance.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group: Virtual Reality Modules + Live Physical Therapist Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will have access to prehabilitation and rehabilitation virtual reality physical therapy modules in addition to zoom "office hours" with the physical therapist so that they may ask questions.

Group II: Control Group: Virtual Reality Modules Only Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will have access to the prehabilitation (preoperative) and rehabilitation (postoperative) virtual reality physical therapy modules.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,527

Recruited

17,430,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8922144/

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Interventions in ... Virtual reality (VR) technology is being used in breast cancer rehabilitation management to improve the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of BCSs.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38634461/

Using Virtual Reality in a Rehabilitation Program for ... Conclusions: The interviewed patients with breast cancer had positive experiences in using VR for rehabilitation. The high cost of both VR ...

3. formative.jmir.org formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e46367/

Preoperative Virtual Reality to Expose Patients With Breast ... Conclusions: This preoperative VR intervention demonstrated preliminary feasibility among a sample of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1581604/full

Effects of immersive virtual therapy on psychological and ... Objective: This study evaluated the impact of immersive VR therapy in improving the psychological and physical wellbeing of women with BC at different stages of ...

5. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/3/e051808

Efficacy of virtual reality-based interventions for patients ... Our results showed that VR had a significant effect on the abduction of upper limbs among patients with breast cancer. Bleeding, effusion, necrosis of skin flap ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11067444/

Using Virtual Reality in a Rehabilitation Program for ... Conclusions. The interviewed patients with breast cancer had positive experiences in using VR for rehabilitation. The high cost of both VR equipment and ...