Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Managing Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Prostate, Breast, Lung, or Head and Neck Cancer
Led by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Updated on 2026-05-22
54
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
W
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
A
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating how virtual reality (VR) may help manage anxiety during radiation therapy for patients with prostate, breast, lung, or head and neck cancer. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability, and initial clinical effects of using a VR headset during treatment sessions. The study is sponsored by Wake Forest University Health Sciences and focuses on comparing VR use with standard care during radiotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to either wear a VR headset (Meta Quest 2) during their radiation therapy or receive the standard radiation treatment without VR. Radiation therapists will also share their experiences using the VR device. Treatment sessions and device use will be monitored throughout the radiation course. Participants will undergo assessments before and after their first radiation treatment, every sixth treatment, and at the end of their therapy. These evaluations include measuring VR device use and functionality, anxiety changes using standardized tools, and acceptability of VR implementation. The study involves multiple visits aligned with the radiation schedule and will continue data collection until the end of the treatment period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in the Management of Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Planned for radiation therapy with 15 or more treatments using energies of 10 MV or less for prostate, breast, lung, or head and neck cancer
- Age 18 years or older at consent
- ECOG performance status of 0 to 3 at enrollment
- Able to understand and willing to sign informed consent directly
You will not qualify if you...
- Previous radiation therapy
- VR device interferes with radiation dosage during simulation or planning
- Primary brain tumors, brain metastases, or cancer involving sinuses, orbits, nose, or ears
- Uncontrolled illnesses or psychiatric conditions limiting study compliance
- Known epilepsy, significant motion sickness, severe uncorrected vision or hearing impairments, or seizures
- Skin defects, infections, or open wounds on face, scalp, or eyes where VR device is applied
- Presence of pacemakers, internal defibrillators, hearing aids, or other implanted medical devices
- Radiation therapists who have not treated at least one participant using the VR device
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.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Duration of radiation therapy (15 or more treatments)
Participants undergo radiation therapy with or without wearing the VR headset during treatment sessions to manage anxiety.
Assessments before and after the first radiation treatment, every 6th radiation treatment, and at the end of treatment
Duration - Up to 36 months
Participants are monitored for anxiety and acceptability of VR intervention after completing radiation therapy.
1 visit at 36 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hayworth Cancer Center
High Point, North Carolina, United States, 27262
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sheri Whittington
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
3
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