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Virtual Reality for Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Caregivers

This study is looking at how well virtual reality (VR) interventions can help reduce depression, anxiety, and pain in people with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiation or chemoradiation, as well as their caregivers. We are comparing two types of VR: a 3D mindfulness VR headset and a 2D non-immersive VR headset. The study aims to see if these VR tools can improve your quality of life by providing a realistic and distracting experience without medication. We plan to enroll 40 participants. We want to understand how easy these VR interventions are to use and how well people stick with them, and if they help reduce symptoms. To join, you must be at least 18 years old and have normal or corrected vision and hearing. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 40 participants, who will be assigned to one of two groups receiving different virtual reality interventions.
What's involved
Participants will use a VR headset three times a week for 6-7 weeks, then weekly for 4 weeks, and wear a Fitbit activity tracker throughout the study.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study measures recruitment, retention, and adherence rates for up to 11 weeks.

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

NCT06985784

Virtual Reality Interventions for the Improvement of Depression, Anxiety and Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and Caregivers

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalSupportive care
City of Hope Medical Center
~40 participants
Updated 2025-11-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:InterviewMedical Device Usage and EvaluationQuestionnaire AdministrationVirtual Technology Intervention

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Recruitment rate (Feasibility)
Measured over Up to 11 weeks
+4 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Head and Neck Carcinoma

Explore related trials

Malignant Head and Neck Neoplasm

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
California1

Study leadership

  • Krupal Patel · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · City of Hope Medical Center

Who to contact

Krupal Patel
[email protected]
626-256-4673 · ext. 89200
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

PATIENTS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative
Assent, when appropriate, will be obtained per institutional guidelines
PATIENTS: ≥ 18 years
PATIENTS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
PATIENTS: Ambulatory (permitted to use walking aids such as cane or crutch)
PATIENTS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
PATIENTS: Scheduled to undergo C/RT for their HNC
CAREGIVERS: Documented informed consent of the participant and/or legally authorized representative
Assent, when appropriate, will be obtained per institutional guidelines
CAREGIVERS: ≥ 18 years
CAREGIVERS: Self-reported normal or corrected to normal vision and hearing
CAREGIVERS: Ability to read and understand English for questionnaires
CAREGIVERS: A care giver identified by the patient and defined as a person who knows the patient well and is involved in the patient's medical care

Exclusion

PATIENTS: An employee who is under the direct/ indirect supervision of the principal investigator (PI)/ a co-investigator/ the study manager
PATIENTS: A direct study team member
PATIENTS: Inability to complete the surveys
PATIENTS: Serious mental illness
PATIENTS: Previous head and neck cancer treatment
PATIENTS: History of any psychiatric disease treatment with anti-depressants, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain (\> 3 months)
PATIENTS: Cancer in or around the eyes or ears; visual, hearing or cognitive impairment
CAREGIVERS: An employee who is under the direct/ indirect supervision of the PI/ a co-investigator/ the study manager
CAREGIVERS: A direct study team member
CAREGIVERS: Inability to complete the surveys
CAREGIVERS: Serious mental illness
CAREGIVERS: History of any psychiatric disease treatment with anti-depressants, substance abuse, PTSD

What this trial measures

  • Recruitment rate (Feasibility)Up to 11 weeks

    Will be considered feasible if ≥ 50% of patients agree to participate. Will be assessed using summary statistics.

  • Retention rate (Feasibility)Up to 11 weeks

    Will be considered feasible if ≥ 70% of patients are retained. Will be assessed using summary statistics.

  • Adherence to three-dimensional (3D) mindfulness virtual reality (VR) intervention (Feasibility)Up to 11 weeks

    Will be considered feasible if ≥ 50% of patients use the 3D mindfulness VR intervention. Will be assessed using summary statistics.

  • Completion of electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) (Feasibility)Up to 11 weeks

    Will be considered feasible if ≥ 70% ePRO assessments are completed. Will be assessed using summary statistics.

  • Acceptability of 3D mindfulness VR interventionUp to 11 weeks

    Will be considered acceptable if ≥ 50% patients have greater than neutral satisfaction at the end of the study period. Will be assessed using summary statistics.