Could a VR headset make prostate biopsies less painful?

NCT ID NCT07701421

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: IRCCS San Raffaele Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether wearing an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset during a prostate biopsy can reduce pain and anxiety beyond what local anesthesia alone provides. About 200 men undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy will be randomly assigned to receive either standard local anesthesia or standard anesthesia plus the VR headset, which provides audiovisual distraction. The study measures pain, anxiety, patient satisfaction, and any side effects like motion sickness.

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 headset used as a non-pharmacological distraction tool during prostate biopsy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make prostate biopsies less stressful and painful for patients.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage study, and the benefit of VR may be modest or not apply to everyone. Some people may find the headset uncomfortable or experience motion sickness.

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

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

PROSTATE BIOPSY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele

Milan, Italy, 20132, Italy

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

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