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Virtual Reality and Aromatherapy for Prostate Biopsy Discomfort

This study is exploring whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset and/or an aromatherapy patch can help reduce pain, fear, and embarrassment for men undergoing a transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx). A TPBx is a procedure to check for prostate cancer. You would be randomly assigned to one of four groups: VR headset, aromatherapy patch, both VR and aromatherapy, or standard care. Researchers want to see if these supportive care methods make a difference compared to standard care. To join, you must be a male aged 18 or older and scheduled for a TPBx. The study aims to enroll 208 participants and is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is a randomized controlled trial comparing four groups. About 208 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the groups.
What's involved
You will complete a survey immediately after your biopsy. This survey will ask about your experience before, during, and after the procedure.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your participation concludes immediately after completing the survey, which is provided up to 30 minutes after the biopsy.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06296147

Virtual Reality Headset and/or Aromatherapy for Patients Undergoing a Transperineal Prostate Biopsy

Completed
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
University of Pittsburgh
~208 participants
Updated 2026-08-25 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Virtual Reality HeadsetAromatherapy PatchStandard of Care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Levels of pain, fear, and embarrassment that each group experienced before the TPBx measured using a self-reported survey that asks about experience prior to biopsy. The survey will be provided after the procedure.
Measured over immediately after the biopsy (up to 30 minutes)
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Prostate Cancer

Explore related trials

Prostate Carcinoma

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

  • Bruce Jacobs, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patient is 18 years or older
Patient is male
Patient is due for a transperineal prostate biopsy
Patient signed and dated informed consent form on Redcap agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion

Patient has a known psychiatric or mental illness that would impede use of the VR device or aromatherapy patch
Patient has severe hearing or vision problems that would impair use of the VR headset (under the physician's discretion)
Patient has a history of seizures or epilepsy or is on a medication that would lower the threshold for a seizure
Patient has a history of reactions to noxious odors

What this trial measures

  • Levels of pain, fear, and embarrassment that each group experienced before the TPBx measured using a self-reported survey that asks about experience prior to biopsy. The survey will be provided after the procedure.immediately after the biopsy (up to 30 minutes)

    This outcome will be measured in the survey on a likert scale from least (0) to most (10) fear, anxiety, and embarassment.

  • Levels of pain, fear, and embarrassment that each group experienced during the TPBx measured using a self-reported survey that asks about experience during the biopsy. The survey will be provided after the procedure.immediately after the biopsy (up to 30 minutes)

    This outcome will be measured in the survey on a likert scale from least (0) to most (10) fear, anxiety, and embarassment.

  • Levels of pain, fear, and embarrassment that each group experienced after the TPBx measured using a self-reported survey that asks about experience after to biopsy. The survey will be provided after the procedure.immediately after the biopsy (up to 30 minutes)

    This outcome will be measured in the survey on a likert scale from least (0) to most (10) fear, anxiety, and embarassment.