Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of Hypnosis and Virtual Reality on Anxiety During Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) can be very stressful, especially when first starting chemotherapy. This study aims to find out if using hypnosis or virtual reality alongside standard medical care can help reduce anxiety in adults with AML. Patients will be split into three groups: one will receive standard care only, another will have standard care plus hypnosis sessions, and the third will have standard care plus virtual reality sessions. We believe these extra methods could make a difference in how patients cope with their treatment and hospital stay, helping them feel calmer and potentially improving their overall experience. We will use questionnaires to measure anxiety, stress, and quality of life throughout the study.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

What is this study about?

When someone is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), it's a very serious and urgent situation. The treatment usually involves strong chemotherapy, which can have significant side effects and means a long stay in hospital. This can be an incredibly tough time, not just physically, but also emotionally. Patients often feel very anxious about their diagnosis, the intense treatment, spending a long time away from home and family, and the risk of infections.

This study is looking at new ways to help patients cope with these strong feelings. We want to see if adding approaches like hypnosis or virtual reality to the usual medical care can make a positive difference. We're trying to understand if these methods can reduce the high levels of anxiety and stress that are common during the initial treatment for AML.

Our hope is that by making patients feel less anxious, they might be better able to manage their treatment journey. This study is an important step in exploring how non-medical approaches can support people through a very challenging time, aiming to improve their mental well-being alongside their physical health.

Key takeaways

This study explores new ways to ease anxiety in AML patients during chemotherapy.
It compares standard care with added hypnosis or virtual reality sessions.
All patients receive the same core medical treatment for AML.
The aim is to improve patients' emotional well-being during a tough time.
Participation involves questionnaires about anxiety and stress.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in the Western Occitanie region. You must be starting your very first course of chemotherapy using specific medications (anthracycline and cytarabine). It's also important that you can understand and fill out questionnaires on your own, and that you have access to a social security system. Lastly, you'll need to agree to take part by signing a consent form.

There are certain situations that would unfortunately mean you couldn't join the study. For example, if you've already had treatment for AML type 3, or if you needed intensive care for your AML before or during your initial treatment. We also can't include people with long-term, unstable pain conditions or certain unstable mental health conditions like psychosis or severe depression. If you have epilepsy (even if it's treated), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you also won't be able to participate. This study is designed for specific patient groups to ensure the results are clear and safe.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia?
Are you starting your first course of specific chemotherapy for AML?
Are you able to understand and complete questionnaires by yourself?
Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding? (If yes, you can't join)
Do you have stable mental health or epilepsy? (If not stable, you can't join)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would be randomly placed into one of three groups. All groups will receive the standard, recommended chemotherapy and medical care for your acute myeloid leukaemia while you are in hospital.

If you are in one of the special groups, you will also have hypnosis or virtual reality sessions during your hospital stay, in addition to your standard care. Throughout your treatment, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask you about your anxiety levels, how you're feeling overall (your quality of life), and your stress levels. You'll fill these out at different times according to the study schedule to help us understand how you're doing. The total duration of your participation will cover your initial hospitalisation for treatment, following standard medical practice.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the potential benefit of reduced anxiety and stress during a challenging treatment period, which could improve your overall well-being. However, there's no guarantee that hypnosis or virtual reality will work for everyone, and your AML treatment outcome will primarily depend on your medical care. The risks involved are generally low, as the hypnosis and virtual reality sessions are designed to be safe and supportive. As with any study, you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

IUCT Oncopole
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What is acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)?

AML is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, which is the soft, spongy tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made.

What is standard care?

Standard care refers to the usual, recommended medical treatments and support you would receive for AML, following established guidelines.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention where you are more open to suggestions, often used to help you relax and manage feelings like anxiety or pain.

What is virtual reality?

Virtual reality (VR) involves using a special headset to immerse you in a computer-generated environment, which can be used to distract from discomfort or promote relaxation.

Will my regular AML treatment change if I join?

No, all participants will receive the same standard chemotherapy and medical care for their AML. This study simply adds hypnosis or virtual reality alongside that care for some groups.

How to find out more

Séverine SEAILLES

seailles.severine@chu-toulouse.fr 0531156360 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.