Virtual Reality Hypnosis for Blood Cancers

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByDavid Ogez, Ph.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

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

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Research into cancer patients has shown that quality of life is significantly altered by the disease and its associated treatments and is also reported to be a predictor of significant emotional distress. Blood cancer patients are among those most affected in terms of quality of life, facing stem cell transplantation after high-dose chemotherapy, a treatment that is recognized as one of the most stressful of cancer therapy, due to the many adverse effects, including pain, and the uncertainty linked to the fear of graft failure. Hypnosis interventions are proving effective in treating common side effects: nausea, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depressive symptoms and improving overall quality of life, and other interventions, based on virtual reality, have shown promising effects on patients' distress and acute pain. 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 during stem cell transplantation, with a view to improving their quality of life during this period. The project aims to assess the validity of the intervention, and to evaluate the effects of the intervention on patients' anxiety, pain and fatigue during transplantation. The validity of the intervention will be measured by a questionnaire assessing the relevance and acceptability of the intervention, expected effects, and practical implementation. Socio-demographic and clinical data will be collected from patients, including axiety, pain, fatigue and quality of life, studied at pre (one week after transplantation) and post (one month after transplantation) intervnention, and at follow-up (three month after transplantation).

Eligibility Criteria

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 am 18 years old or older.

I understand French.

Exclusion Criteria

Deafness

Blindness

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

Participant Groups

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.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Intervention (VRH) groupExperimental Treatment5 Interventions

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

Group II: Control groupActive Control1 Intervention

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