Could VR headsets replace opioids for cancer pain?

NCT ID NCT07228377

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

    RECRUITING

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

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••