VR Effective in Supporting Cancer Management
This study found that VR combined with neurofeedback was well tolerated by cancer patients and contributed to significant reductions in pain, alongside greater calm and comfort during treatment. Its 100% completion rate also suggests the intervention was engaging and practical to deliver in a clinical setting.
Key Findings
- 100% completion rate: all 15 participants finished the full 22-minute VR session and all study procedures.
- Pain dropped significantly: the reduction in average pain scores fell were statistically significant
- Patients felt calmer and more comfortable: participants described the experience as relaxing, distracting from pain, and emotionally soothing during cancer treatment.
- The experience was acceptable in-clinic adjacent with other treatments: the study showed VR with neurofeedback could be delivered during active treatment in an ambulatory infusion clinic.
Why This Matters
- 100% completion suggests good engagement and low dropout risk in practice.
- If pain, distress, or emotional overload drop even temporarily, that can make it easier for participants to engage in therapy, regulation work, daily routines, and community participation.
- The paper positions VR + neurofeedback as a non-pharmacological approach, which is useful for providers looking to add safe, supportive wellbeing tools alongside existing care.