Virtual reality could ease symptoms during intensive blood cancer treatment
NCT ID NCT07649512
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether using a virtual reality headset for guided muscle relaxation can help people undergoing cell therapies like CAR-T or stem cell transplant feel better. Participants will use the VR headset once daily for up to 20 minutes during their hospital stay. Researchers will measure how practical this approach is and whether it improves symptoms like pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation delivered via Virtual Reality
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce anxiety, pain, and other symptoms during intensive cancer therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study, so it may not prove whether VR relaxation actually improves symptoms. The effect may be limited by patients' ability to use the headset.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able to provide informed consent 2. Age greater than or equal to 18 years old 3. Either have a planned admission or already be admitted to the in-patient oncology ward (3NW) with cellular therapy needs. 4. Able to understand English 5. Able to sit-up in bed or bedside chair space to utilize VR device at the time of enrollment 6. Able to utilize VR device and computer/laptop to access necessary resources for participation 7. Performance Status as defined by European Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 0-2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Poor performance status of ECOG 3-4 2. Recent use of immersive VR programs for stress relief and/or entertainment (more than 2 days/week within the past 3 months) 3. Participation in another stress-reduction type interventional study within the past 3 months 4. Current or history of seizure, epilepsy, or other known severe neurological or mental health disorders 5. Clinical Sensitivity to flashing light or motion or having balance disorders previously diagnosed 6. Having another medical condition or co-morbidity that may prevent use of VR program or physical materials (e.g., visual or hearing problems, open sores, wounds, skin rash on face, or active infection) 7. Patients with concern for neurotoxicity or acute treatment related neurological issues such as ICANS. ICANS grade 1 maybe eligible to re-enter trial. ICANS grade 2 or greater would be permanently excluded.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, 85719, United States