Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Virtual Reality for Advanced Cancer Pain

This research is looking into whether virtual reality (VR) can help people living with advanced cancer to better manage their pain. While some evidence suggests VR could be useful, it needs further development and testing. The goal is to create a robust VR program designed in partnership with patients, ensuring it's both effective and practical. The study will involve three phases: first, gathering feedback from patients using VR; second, refining the VR program based on this feedback with input from various healthcare professionals; and third, testing the refined program with more patients over an eight-week period. The hope is to create a VR tool that can be used in clinics to help significantly improve pain management for people with advanced cancer and their quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2025

Neoplasm Metastasis Pain Palliative Care

What is this study about?

This research is exploring a new way to help people who have advanced cancer manage their pain more effectively. We know that pain is a common challenge for many living with advanced cancer, and while there are existing treatments, researchers are always looking for additional options to improve comfort and well-being. This study is specifically looking at virtual reality (VR) – those immersive experiences you feel like you're inside – as a potential tool for pain relief.

The main aim of this study is to work closely with people who have advanced cancer and experience pain to develop a VR program that truly helps them. The researchers want to understand what makes a VR experience useful, enjoyable, and easy to use. This isn't about using a pre-existing VR game; it's about building a tailored intervention from the ground up, with direct input from the very people it's designed to help. The study will happen in stages, starting with listening to patients' experiences, then using that feedback to create and refine the VR program before testing it out.

Ultimately, the hope is that this research will lead to a new, reliable VR tool that healthcare professionals can offer to people with advanced cancer to help them cope with their pain. It could provide a non-drug option that helps distract from pain, creates a sense of calm, or provides a welcome escape. The study also aims to create clear guidelines for how this VR program could be used in hospitals and clinics, making it easier for it to become a part of routine care if it proves to be helpful.

Key takeaways

Exploring virtual reality (VR) as a new way to help manage pain for people with advanced cancer.
Patients play a key role in designing and testing the VR program.
Aims to create a user-friendly and effective VR tool for pain relief.
Results will help create guidelines for VR use in healthcare.
Participation involves providing feedback or using the VR program for a period.
Hopes to offer an additional, non-drug option for pain management.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have advanced cancer and are experiencing pain. You would need to be receiving care from a specialist palliative care team or cancer centre, and your medical records should confirm a diagnosis of advanced cancer. Your pain should be at a certain level (a score of 1 or more on a scale of 0-10) in the last seven days.

To be able to take part fully in the virtual reality experience, you would need to have good eyesight and hearing, and be able to move your head and neck comfortably. You also need to be able to understand and agree to take part in the study, and speak English fluently. The medical team would also need to feel that it's safe for you to take part and that your expected prognosis is six months or longer.

However, you wouldn't be able to join the study if you have epilepsy or if your medical team believes that taking part would be harmful for you. People who are very close to the end of their life would also not be included.

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?
Do you have advanced cancer and experience pain?
Are you able to see and hear well, and move your head and neck comfortably?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you speak English fluently?
Has your medical team indicated a prognosis of 6 months or longer?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would be involved in one of three main stages. In the first stage (Phase I), you would use the virtual reality equipment and then take part in a focus group or an individual interview. This is your chance to give detailed feedback on what you liked, what you didn't, and what you'd change. This usually involves one session lasting a few hours.

In the third stage (Phase III), if the previous stages have led to a refined VR program, you would test this program over an eight-week period. During this time, the researchers would observe how often and how you use the virtual reality in your daily life, and identify any difficulties you might encounter. This stage involves using the VR program regularly at home or in your care setting and providing feedback on your experience. The study team will explain everything fully before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the potential benefit of trying a new and innovative way to manage your pain that is not medication-based. Your feedback will also directly shape a useful tool that could help many others with advanced cancer in the future. As with any new technology, there might be some minor risks, such as temporary dizziness or discomfort from the VR headset, or perhaps finding some of the VR content not to your liking. The research team will be careful to monitor for any such issues. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Brighton, United Kingdom
Velindre University NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom
St Christophers Hospice, London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is advanced cancer?

Advanced cancer means the cancer has spread from where it started, or it is a type of cancer that cannot be cured but can be treated to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

What does 'virtual reality' involve?

Virtual reality uses a special headset that you wear, which shows you a computer-generated world, making you feel like you are immersed in a different environment, potentially offering a distraction or sense of calm.

Will using VR cure my pain or cancer?

No, this study is exploring VR as a way to help manage or reduce the feeling of pain, not as a cure for pain or cancer itself. It aims to be an additional tool for comfort.

Do I need to be good with technology to participate?

Not at all, the researchers are looking to make the VR experience easy to use. Support will be provided, and your feedback on ease of use is very important for making it accessible to everyone.

What happens to my information if I take part?

All your information will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes, following strict data protection rules. Your identity will not be shared in any reports or publications.