Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety in Blood Cancers

Overseen By Cindy Varga, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Must not be taking: Analgesics, Anxiolytics

Disqualifiers: Seizures, Heart conditions, Implanted devices, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: Single session

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a virtual reality (VR) headset can reduce pain and anxiety for individuals undergoing bone marrow procedures, common among those with blood cancers. Participants will receive either standard care or standard care plus the VR experience to determine if VR provides additional benefits. The trial seeks individuals undergoing an outpatient bone marrow biopsy or aspiration who have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance patient comfort during procedures.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are prescribed pain or anxiety medications specifically for the procedure.

What prior data suggests that this virtual reality intervention is safe for reducing pain and anxiety in blood cancer patients?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) safely helps manage pain and anxiety in cancer patients. Studies have found that VR can significantly reduce pain and anxiety levels. Most patients tolerate VR well, experiencing few side effects. Hospitals often use VR as a non-drug method for pain management, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness. For those considering joining a trial involving VR, current evidence suggests it is a safe and well-tolerated option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using virtual reality (VR) to help manage pain and anxiety in blood cancer patients. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or therapy sessions, VR offers an immersive distraction that can transport patients to calming environments or engaging activities, potentially reducing their perception of pain and anxiety. This non-invasive approach could be a game-changer by providing quick relief without the side effects associated with some medications. Additionally, VR can be easily adapted to suit individual patient needs, offering a personalized experience that traditional methods might not provide.

What evidence suggests that this virtual reality intervention is effective for reducing pain and anxiety in blood cancer patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality (VR) can help reduce pain and anxiety. For cancer patients, VR has proven effective in lowering pain and stress during procedures like needle insertions. One study found that VR effectively manages pain and anxiety in both adults and children. Patients usually find VR therapy easy to use and helpful. In this trial, one group will receive the Standard of Care, while another group will receive both the Virtual Reality intervention and Standard of Care. These findings suggest that VR could be a useful tool for people undergoing bone marrow procedures. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Cindy Varga, MD

Principal Investigator

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer patients, specifically those with blood cancers, who are about to have or have just had a bone marrow biopsy or aspiration. The study aims to see if VR headsets help reduce pain and anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand and am willing to sign the consent form.

Ability to read and understand the English language

I am 18 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

Participant with known intolerance to using virtual reality devices, significant motion sickness, history of seizures, history of vestibular disorders, or heart conditions (unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction within the last 3 months, decompensated heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias-ventricular tachycardia, afibrillation with rapid ventricular rate), history of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) per participant report

Participants with pacemakers, defibrillators, hearing aid, or other implanted medical device. The Meta Quest device contains magnets and components that emit magnetic/electromagnetic fields which could affect the operation of nearby electronics and medical devices

I am taking medication for pain or anxiety before a procedure.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a bone marrow biopsy and/or aspiration with or without the use of a VR headset

Single session

1 visit (in-person)

Immediate Post-procedure Evaluation

Participants' pain and anxiety levels are assessed immediately following the biopsy procedure

Less than 1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants' pain and anxiety levels are assessed 24 hours after the biopsy procedure

24 hours post-procedure

1 follow-up (virtual or phone)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Virtual Reality intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing whether using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets during and after bone marrow biopsies can lessen pain and anxiety compared to the usual care without VR. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving VR plus standard care, the other only standard care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality intervention and Standard of Care Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Group II: Standard of Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,432

Recruited

2,506,000+

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute

Collaborator

Trials

30

Recruited

4,700+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12338295/

Effect of virtual reality on pain in oncology patients The results showed that the virtual reality-delivered therapy was feasible, well-accepted by patients, and demonstrated potential effectiveness ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03568292

Virtual Reality in Reducing Pain and Anxiety in Cancer ... A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12191400/

Effects of Virtual Reality Interventions for Needle-Related ... Findings showed that virtual reality was effective in reducing pain, anxiety, depression, fear, and respiratory rate in both adults and children.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388924002485

Effects of virtual reality application on pain, anxiety, and ... Virtual reality application during the port catheter needle insertion procedure reduced pain levels and anxiety levels in cancer patients.

5. ahr-journal.org ahr-journal.org/site/article/view/41

An exploration into the efficacy of virtual reality for ... This study aims to explore the use of VR in the management of pain in hospitalized patients, focusing on cancer-related pain. A systematic ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11640359/

Virtual Reality to Improve the Psychological and Physical ... This umbrella review suggests that VR-based interventions may be effective in improving psychological outcomes in cancer patients, particularly anxiety, pain, ...

7. actaoncologicaturcica.com actaoncologicaturcica.com/articles/the-effect-of-video-streaming-with-virtual-reality-on-anxiety-and-physiological-parameters-during-chemotherapy-treatment-in-hematologic-malignancy-patients/doi/ahot.galenos.2025.2024-11-1

The Effect of Video Streaming with Virtual Reality on ... VRG were shown to be effective in reducing chemotherapy-related anxiety in our study; however, did not affect physiological parameters.