Could VR headsets replace opioids for cancer pain?

NCT ID NCT07228377

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Medstar Health Research Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study explores whether virtual reality (VR) can help people with cancer manage chronic pain and possibly reduce their need for opioid painkillers. Researchers will ask 25 adults with cancer-related pain to use a VR headset for at least 10 minutes daily for one week. The goal is to see if this approach is practical and acceptable to patients.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: virtual reality pain therapy
What this could lead to: If this works, it could offer a non-drug way to ease chronic cancer pain and reduce reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 25 people. It is designed to test if people will use the VR headset, not yet whether it actually reduces pain.

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 Cancer Pain Chronic Pain neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
RECRUITING

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20010, United States

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