Virtual Reality Hypnosis for Blood Cancers

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Floriane Rousseaux, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Disqualifiers: Deafness, Blindness, Schizophrenia, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to assist people with blood cancers like myeloma and lymphoma undergoing stem cell transplants. It focuses on using a combination of hypnosis and virtual reality (Intervention Integrating Procedures Combining Hypnosis and Virtual Reality) to alleviate common side effects such as pain, anxiety, and fatigue, aiming to enhance quality of life during the challenging transplant process. Participants will receive either this new treatment or standard care and will report their experiences through questionnaires. This study suits those who understand French and are undergoing a stem cell transplant for their blood cancer. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatments that could improve the transplant experience.

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

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this intervention combining hypnosis and virtual reality is safe for blood cancer patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality combined with hypnosis is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found that virtual reality can reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients, including children and young adults. These studies have reported no major side effects. This suggests that virtual reality hypnosis might safely enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing challenging cancer treatments. Although specific safety data for this exact combination is lacking, using virtual reality in similar contexts has yielded positive results. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the trial for Virtual Reality Hypnosis (VRH) for blood cancers because it offers a novel approach to managing symptoms like pain and anxiety. Unlike standard treatments, which often involve medications and therapies that can have various side effects, VRH combines the immersive power of virtual reality with the calming effects of hypnosis. This method is non-invasive and could provide immediate relief, making it a promising complementary option alongside traditional cancer treatments. By integrating these technologies, VRH has the potential to enhance patient comfort and improve overall treatment experiences.

What evidence suggests that this intervention combining hypnosis and virtual reality is effective for improving quality of life in blood cancer patients?

Research has shown that virtual reality hypnosis (VRH) can help manage symptoms like anxiety, pain, and tiredness in cancer patients. A study that combined results from multiple research projects found that VR improved both physical and mental symptoms for these patients. In this trial, participants in the Intervention (VRH) group will receive four mandatory accompanied sessions of VRH and can use VRH as needed. For those with blood cancer, these methods have shown potential in improving quality of life during challenging treatments like stem cell transplants. Patients who tried it reported feeling less stressed and experiencing less severe pain. This method combines the soothing effects of hypnosis with the engaging distraction of virtual reality, making it a promising way to help patients feel more comfortable during difficult times. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

David Ogez, Ph.D

Principal Investigator

Université de Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with blood cancers like multiple myeloma and lymphoma, who are undergoing stem cell transplantation after high-dose chemotherapy. Participants should be willing to try a program combining hypnosis and virtual reality aimed at improving quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria

I have multiple myeloma or lymphoma and am eligible for a transplant.

I understand French.

Exclusion Criteria

Deafness

Blindness

Confusion or psychopathological disorders that may impair communication (e.g., schizophrenia)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-Intervention

Participants complete self-evaluations and interviews to gather expectations and satisfaction levels

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants undergo VRH sessions to reduce anxiety, pain, and fatigue, using the VR headset for two weeks

2 weeks

4 sessions (in-person)

Post-Intervention

Participants complete post-intervention evaluations one month after transplantation

1 month

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness three months after transplantation

3 months

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Intervention Integrating Procedures Combining Hypnosis and Virtual Reality

Trial Overview The study tests an innovative support intervention that combines hypnosis with virtual reality environments (like forests or beaches) to help manage pain, anxiety, and fatigue in blood cancer patients during stem cell transplantation.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention (VRH) group Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

Four obligatory accompanied session of VRH and use of VRH as needed.

Group II: Control group Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard of care (waiting list, will receive VRH following the study).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

6,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 52 women with cervical cancer undergoing radiochemotherapy, guided imagery relaxation through virtual reality showed a significant reduction in anxiety traits before the intervention, indicating that participants were experiencing high anxiety levels.

Although the reduction in anxiety levels between the 4th and 12th week of follow-up was not statistically significant, the intervention suggests potential benefits for clinical practice in managing anxiety for these patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of guided imagery relaxation on anxiety in cervical cancer: randomized clinical trial. Santana, EO., Silva, LDS., Silva, LAAD., et al.[2023]

In a randomized crossover trial involving 50 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, Virtual Reality (VR) significantly improved mood states compared to Guided Imagery (GI), indicating its potential as a beneficial intervention for emotional well-being during treatment.

The VR intervention also led to statistically significant improvements in biophysical parameters like blood pressure and heart rate, although it did not show effectiveness in reducing symptoms of nausea, pain, or feeling sick.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Vs Guided Imagery on mood changes in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment: A crossover trial. Ioannou, A., Paikousis, L., Papastavrou, E., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12583862/

Combining Virtual Reality and Hypnosis? A User ... Meta-analysis of the efficacy of virtual reality–based interventions in cancer-related symptom management. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019;18 ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05275881

Study Details | NCT05275881 | Impact of Virtual Reality in ... This pilot study will be testing the feasibility of medical hypnosis through virtual reality during invasive médical procédures in children and young adults ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/397211899_Combining_Virtual_Reality_and_Hypnosis_A_User_Experience_Study_in_Patients_with_Multiple_Myeloma_Following_Stem_Cell_Transplantation

(PDF) Combining Virtual Reality and Hypnosis? A User ... Conclusions: VR interventions were effective in improving physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients. Due to the limited number ...

4. connect.careboxhealth.com connect.careboxhealth.com/en-US/trial/listing/574775

Development of an Intervention Integrating Procedures ... The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an intervention program combining hypnosis and virtual reality in assisting myeloma and lymphoma patients ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06817759?cond=Miyoshi%20myopathy%20OR%20%22Miyoshi%20distal%20myopathy%22%20OR%20%22%20Miyoshi%20muscular%20dystrophy%22%20OR%20%22%20MM%22&aggFilters=status:not%20rec&viewType=Table&rank=7

Study Details | NCT06817759 | Development of an ... The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an intervention program combining hypnosis and virtual reality in assisting myeloma and lymphoma patients ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06817759

Study Details | NCT06817759 | Development of an ... The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an intervention program combining hypnosis and virtual reality in assisting myeloma and lymphoma patients ...

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

Effect of virtual reality on pain in oncology patients Findings indicate that virtual reality is safe and effective to alleviate pain and anxiety among pediatric cancer patients undergoing PIC ...

8. 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 ...

9. bmjopen.bmj.com bmjopen.bmj.com/content/13/7/e074506

Efficacy of smartphone-based virtual reality relaxation in ... We propose a smartphone-based virtual reality relaxation (S-VR) technique as a complementary modality to provide comfort to patients with cancer.