Virtual Reality Software to Reduce Stress in Cancer Patients

Feasibility Study of Virtual Reality Software to Reduce Stress in Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to test the ability of virtual reality-based social support to increase patient adherence to radiation therapy by reducing patient distress.

This study will involve patients who have been diagnosed with breast or head and neck cancer and are suitable to receive radiation therapy. It is a single arm pilot trial designed to provide information on the safety, feasibility, and impacts of incorporating virtual reality (VR) software into the treatment plan of patients receiving radiation therapy with the goal of increasing patient adherence to radiation therapy.

Patients will be provided with VR-based education sessions prior to and during the course of radiation therapy. Patients' emotional and social distress levels will be assessed with questionnaires to measure the impacts of the VR software. Patients will be in the study for up to 3 months during regular cancer care, but the total time for the study procedures is anticipated to be 2-4 hours in total. Results from this study will be for research only and will not impact treatment decisions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old
2. Must be able to read and speak English
3. Diagnosis of breast or head and neck cancer
4. Treatment plan includes radiotherapy within the next 2 months
5. Signed study-specific informed consent prior to study entry

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Previous radiation therapy treatment
2. Neurologic deficits
3. Visual disorder
4. Neuro-psychiatric disorder
5. Use of neuro-psychiatric drugs