Virtual Reality Interventions for the Improvement of Depression, Anxiety and Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and Caregivers (NCT06985784)
Enhancing Patient Well-Being: Feasibility of Virtual Reality in Head and Neck Cancer Patients to Improve Depressive Symptomatology, Anxiety and Pain
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This clinical trial tests how well a three-dimensional (3D) mindfulness virtual reality (VR) versus (vs) two-dimensional (2D) non-immersive interventions works in improving depression, anxiety, pain, and/or stress in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiation or chemoradiation (C/RT), and their caregivers. HNC patients undergoing C/RT can experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, distress and pain that negatively impact their quality of life. VR allows for a realistic experience and works as an effective distraction tool from the state of pain or anxiety without use of drugs and with minimal associated risk to patients. VR has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and pain in non-cancer patients, however there is limited evidence of how well VR use works in cancer patients, especially in patients undergoing C/RT for HNC. Caregivers of these patients also experience high levels of anxiety and distress. Using VR interventions may improve depression, anxiety, pain and/or stress in patients with HNC undergoing C/RT and their caregivers.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: City of Hope Medical Center — Duarte, California
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Interview (OTHER)
- Medical Device Usage and Evaluation (OTHER)
- Questionnaire Administration (OTHER)
- Virtual Technology Intervention (OTHER)
- Virtual Technology Intervention (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- City of Hope Medical Center — Duarte, California
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (626) 256-4673
Email: kruppatel@coh.org
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Head and Neck Carcinoma
- Intensity Modulated Proton or X-Ray Therapy After Surgery for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, the HEADLIGHT Study — Phoenix, Arizona
- Neurofeedback in Decreasing Acute Radiotherapy-Induced Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer — Houston, Texas
- Interdisciplinary Interventions to Address Pain Management Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients — Houston, Texas
- Clinical Data Collection in Studying Clinical Factors Associated With Post-Surgery Chronic Opioid Use in Patients With Head and Neck Cancers — Houston, Texas
- Medical Data Collection of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Proton Therapy — Houston, Texas
- Dyadic Yoga Intervention for the Improvement of Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Chemoradiation and Their Caregivers — Houston, Texas
Explore by condition: All Head and Neck Carcinoma clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.