Virtual Reality for GI Cancer Pain to Improve Patient Reported Outcomes

Launched by CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · May 26, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how virtual reality (VR) can help manage severe abdominal pain in patients with digestive tract cancers. The study aims to find out if using immersive VR—where patients wear goggles that transport them to realistic, three-dimensional worlds—can improve pain levels, activity, and reduce the need for opioid pain medications. Participants will be divided into three groups: one using skills-based VR therapy, another using distraction-based VR (where they choose VR videos), and a control group using a basic VR headset with simple content. The trial will follow 360 patients for 60 days to see how well these different types of VR work for managing pain.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be adults with specific types of gastrointestinal cancers, such as those of the colon, liver, or stomach, and must be experiencing significant pain. They should also be able to read and write in English. However, individuals with conditions that could interfere with VR use, such as severe cognitive impairment or certain visual issues, will not be eligible. This trial not only aims to improve patient comfort but also to provide valuable insights into the best ways to use VR for pain management in cancer care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Have a primary malignancy of the biliary tract, colon, liver, pancreas, peritoneum, rectum, small intestine, or stomach, with no plan for resection during the study period
• • Tumor types including, but not limited to, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and tumors of mesenchymal origin will be eligible
• • Have clinically significant visceral pain, measured using the standardized NIH PROMIS GI Pain Scale defined as scoring at least 5 points above the nationally normed score
• • Ability to read and write in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have a condition that interferes with VR usage, including but not limited to seizures, facial injury precluding safe placement of headset, and visual impairments
• • Have cognitive impairment that affects protocol participation. This will be done with a three part cognitive assessment during the initial phone call to assess eligibility followed by consent discussion if eligible.
• • Have brain metastases
• • Have a prognosis of \<3 months from the time of enrollment per treating oncologist