Brain scans and virtual reality aim to decode chronic breathlessness

NCT ID NCT07319039

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Geneva Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses brain scans (fMRI) to see if people with cancer, COPD, or heart failure have different brain activity patterns when they feel breathless. It also tests whether immersive virtual reality can help ease that breathlessness. Only 16 participants are being recruited to see if the approach is practical and acceptable.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: immersive virtual reality (IVR)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal whether different diseases share the same brain pathways for breathlessness, guiding more tailored treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very small feasibility study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It focuses on testing the methods, not proving any treatment works.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Dyspnea heart failure neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CANCER CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) HEART FAILURE VOLUNTEERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Geneva University Hospitals
RECRUITING

Geneva, Canton of Geneva, 1211, Switzerland

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