Could a VR headset replace painkillers in cancer surgery?
NCT ID NCT05287854
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether using a virtual reality headset during cancer surgery under local anesthesia can reduce pain and anxiety. 42 adults with cancer were randomly assigned to receive either local anesthesia alone or local anesthesia plus VR. The VR used hypnosis and relaxation techniques. Researchers measured pain levels and patient satisfaction to see if VR improves the surgical experience.
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 headset with HypnoVR software
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain and anxiety during minor cancer surgeries.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 42 participants. The results may not apply to all cancer patients or procedures.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
ICO
Angers, 49055, France
-
ICO
Saint-Herblain, 44805, France
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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