Virtual reality goggles ease needle pain for kids with cancer

NCT ID NCT04931745

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) can reduce pain and distress in children with cancer when they get a needle put into their port-a-cath. 84 children aged 5 to 17 were randomly assigned to use VR, an iPad, or no special distraction during the procedure. Researchers measured their distress and pain using standard scales.

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 (Oculus 2)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give doctors a simple, drug-free way to ease pain and fear for children during needle procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial (84 children). The effect may be modest or not better than simpler distractions like an iPad. Results may not apply to all children or settings.

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

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ONCOLOGY PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

London Health Sciences Centre

London, Ontario, N6A5W3, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.