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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

Must not have

Patient with active Clostridium difficile infection

Patient on chronic steroids > 10 mg prednisone equivalent daily or other immunosuppressant > 1 week

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 1 year

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

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.

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.

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.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am currently infected with Clostridium difficile.

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I have been on steroids or other immune-weakening drugs for more than a week.

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I am currently taking pain medication, including opioids, NSAIDs, or steroids.

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I do not have conditions like epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson's, severe brain or ear issues, or untreated eye diseases.

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I have had a bone marrow transplant.

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I am unable to understand or sign the consent form.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 1 year

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

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Anxiety

Pain as assessed according to a visual analog scale (VAS)

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

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.

0 / 9Eligibility criteria met