Could VR headsets ease cancer pain without pills?

NCT ID NCT07318519

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

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a virtual reality (VR) program that uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people with long-term cancer pain. Forty adults with cancer and pain lasting at least 3 months will use the VR headset at home for 10 minutes daily over two weeks. The goal is to see if the device is easy to use, safe, and acceptable, and to gather early data on whether it reduces pain and distress.

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 program delivering cognitive behavioral therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to manage chronic cancer pain at home, improving quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a very early feasibility study with only 40 people. It tests if the device is usable and acceptable, not yet if it truly reduces pain. Some may experience motion sickness or discomfort with the VR headset.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer Cancer Pain Chronic Pain neoplasm Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER CANCER PAIN CHRONIC CANCER PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
MedStar Health Research Institute
RECRUITING

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

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