Using Virtual Reality to Reduce Anxiety During Radiation Therapy for Prostate, Breast, Lung, or Head and Neck Cancer

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates how virtual reality VR can be used and how well it works during radiation therapy for patients with prostate, breast, lung, or head and neck cancers. The study focuses on whether using VR is feasible, acceptable, and tolerable, while also looking at its initial effects on patients undergoing radiation treatment. Participants are randomly assigned in a 21 ratio to either wear a VR headset Meta Quest 2 during their radiation therapy or receive standard radiation therapy without VR. The study includes radiation therapists who will share their experiences using the VR device. Treatments follow the usual radiation therapy schedules, and the VR device is used during these sessions for those in the VR group. Participants will have assessments before starting the study, before and after their first radiation treatment, then every sixth treatment, and at the end of their radiation course. Researchers will monitor VR use and functionality during each treatment visit, track changes in patient anxiety levels, and evaluate how acceptable the VR intervention is over time. The study is conducted under careful supervision to ensure participant safety and comfort throughout the process.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in the Management of Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy