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Virtual Reality for Cancer Pain Management

N/A
Recruiting
Led By Jacek Pinski, MD
Research Sponsored by University of Southern California
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Patient has been diagnosed with any cancer
Patient is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment for a primary or secondary cancer at University of Southern California (USC) Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up up to 1 year
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial is testing whether virtual reality can help reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients during and after a bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for cancer patients at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital who are undergoing bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture. It's not for those with epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, certain brain conditions, severe hearing/vision issues, high BMI (>35), recent transplants, or on pain/immunosuppressant drugs.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study tests if using a VR headset (Oculus Rift) during painful procedures like bone marrow biopsies or lumbar punctures can reduce pain and anxiety in cancer patients compared to standard care practices.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
While the VR experience itself may not have direct side effects, it could potentially cause discomfort such as dizziness or nausea in some individuals due to its immersive nature.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I have been diagnosed with cancer.
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I am currently in the hospital at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center for cancer treatment.
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I am scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~up to 1 year
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 1 year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary outcome measures
Anxiety
Pain as assessed according to a visual analog scale (VAS)

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Arm I: Virtual RealityExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
Participants receive the VR intervention during bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture lasting until completion of the procedure. Participants will be trained to use VR equipment prior to the bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture. The headset will cover both eyes with a strap along the back to hold the headset in place. The headset will be attached by a wire to a laptop which will power the headset and provide content. A remote control will be available for assistance in setting up or stopping the content in the case of an event. The VR content will consist of meditation and relaxing techniques through visual and auditory input which can last up to one hour. There will be minimal stimulatory effort to decrease excess movement for the procedure.
Group II: Arm II: No Virtual RealityActive Control3 Interventions
Participants receive standard of care during bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of Southern CaliforniaLead Sponsor
900 Previous Clinical Trials
1,595,563 Total Patients Enrolled
National Cancer Institute (NCI)NIH
13,627 Previous Clinical Trials
40,927,287 Total Patients Enrolled
Virtually Strong, LLCUNKNOWN

Media Library

Laboratory Biomarker Analysis Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03568292 — N/A
Cancer Research Study Groups: Arm I: Virtual Reality, Arm II: No Virtual Reality
Cancer Clinical Trial 2023: Laboratory Biomarker Analysis Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03568292 — N/A
Laboratory Biomarker Analysis 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03568292 — N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Are there still openings for participation in this experiment?

"Affirmative. By referencing clinicaltrials.gov, it is clear that this research project commenced on March 1st 2022 and was most recently updated on August 5th of the same year. The study requires 60 participants from a single location to be enrolled."

Answered by AI

Who is qualified to participate in this research program?

"Eligibility criteria state that prospective candidates must have a history of cancer and be between 18 and 70 years old. Around 60 individuals are deemed necessary to complete the trial."

Answered by AI

Does this medical trial permit the inclusion of individuals aged 30 and older?

"This clinical trial necessitates that applicants to be aged 18-70. There are 301 studies available for patients younger than 18 and 2197 trials targeting people over 65 years old."

Answered by AI

How many participants is this trial recruiting?

"Affirmative. Information provided on clinicaltrials.gov confirms that this research trial, which was first posted on March 1st 2022, is still in the recruitment stage. The project aims to find 60 volunteers from a single medical facility."

Answered by AI
~18 spots leftby Mar 2025