Actively Recruiting
Cognitive Behavioral Theory-assisted Virtual Reality for Chronic Cancer Pain (VR-CAN): Device Prototype Development and Feasibility Testing
Led by Medstar Health Research Institute · Updated on 2026-01-06
40
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
25 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Medstar Health Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Many patients with cancer experience chronic pain that significantly affects their quality of life. This research aims to develop and test a new virtual reality (VR) therapy based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles to help manage chronic cancer pain. The study is designed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, and initial clinical impact of this VR therapy compared to a tablet-based video control intervention. The study involves creating and refining a VR-CAN prototype tailored for patients with chronic cancer pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either use the VR-CAN therapy or a tablet-based two-dimensional skills intervention. Both groups will use their assigned treatment at home for 10 minutes daily over 14 days. The VR-CAN group will experience immersive VR content designed to provide pain relief through distraction and behavioral techniques, while the control group will view non-CBT content on a tablet. Participants will complete assessments throughout the 14-day treatment period, including measures of device feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, pain interference, mood, coping strategies, pain severity, and self-efficacy. Data will also be collected through daily pain ratings during each use of the assigned intervention. Post-intervention interviews will gather participant feedback to improve the VR therapy for future studies. The total participation time is two weeks, with no long-term follow-up described.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cognitive Behavioral Theory-assisted Virtual Reality for Chronic CANcer Pain (VR-CAN)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age at least 18 years old
- Diagnosis of cancer and currently undergoing treatment
- Chronic cancer pain lasting at least 3 months with baseline pain severity of at least 4 out of 10
You will not qualify if you...
- Experiencing intractable nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, seizures, epilepsy, or cranial abnormalities preventing use of VR headset
- Moderate to severe pain from non-cancer causes
- Currently enrolled in another pain study
- Unable to complete surveys or interviews in English or Spanish
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 14 days
Participants use their assigned device-based behavioral skills intervention for chronic cancer pain management at home, 10 minutes per session daily for 14 days.
Daily use at home for 14 days
Duration - Short period after treatment
Participants provide feedback on feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, and initial impact of the intervention through surveys and interviews after completing the device use period.
1 post-treatment visit or assessment
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
MedStar Health Research Institute
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States, 20010
Actively Recruiting
2
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, North Carolina, United States, 27710
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Hunter Groninger, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
DEVICE_FEASIBILITY
Number of Arms
2
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