Interest of Virtual Reality on Anxiety Before the Planning CT Scan in Radiotherapy (NCT05269186) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Interest of Virtual Reality on Anxiety Before the Planning CT Scan in Radiotherapy
France256 participantsStarted 2022-10-05
Plain-language summary
In France, according to the National Cancer Institute, it appears that treatments in radiotherapy centers for cancer will increase from 198,000 in 2015 to 239,000 in 2030: this represents 40,000 additional treatments in 15 years.
A meta-analysis on radiotherapy indicated that 10 to 20% of patients had clinically significant levels of anxiety at the beginning of radiotherapy.
Indeed, several factors generate this tension, above all the new or unfamiliar environment, the imposing and noisy scanner, the restraints that are difficult to bear or the nudity required for the examination.
This anxiety has an impact on performance of the planning CT scan examination, an essential step for the future treatment.
The radiotherapy unit of the Centre Hospitalier Departemental de Vendee has put in place resources to reduce anxiety felt during treatment sessions (music therapy, conversational hypnosis, sophrology or aromatherapy). However, nothing has been put in place to reduce the anxiety of patients in the period preceding the planning CT scan.
Virtual reality software seems to be a good alternative that requires fewer human resources.
The research hypothesis is that patients who have benefited from the virtual reality software will have a lower level of anxiety before the planning CT scan than patients who have not benefited from virtual reality.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 84 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Patient with an indication for first radiotherapy treatment for breast or pelvic cancer (prostate, rectum, endometrium, anal canal and cervix)
. Patient ≥ 18 years old,
. Patient who has the capacity to understand the protocol and has given written consent to participate in the research,
. Patient with social security coverage.
Exclusion criteria
. Metastatic patients
. Patients with previous radiotherapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial tested virtual reality to reduce anxiety before the CT planning scan for radiotherapy — how significant was the anxiety reduction they found, and do you think it could make a real difference for me if I'm feeling nervous about my scans?
2Since this trial has already been completed, have the results been published or shared anywhere, and can you help me understand what they showed about virtual reality compared to standard care?
3Is virtual reality during CT planning scans something that's being offered or considered at this clinic, or is it still only available in a research setting?
4If anxiety before the planning CT scan is a concern for me, what other options are already available here to help me feel more comfortable during that process?
5Does the type of cancer I have — breast or pelvic — affect how much anxiety patients typically experience before radiotherapy planning scans, and should that factor into how we think about managing it for me?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Evaluating the Anxiety of the Patient Benefiting From a Virtual Reality Session Versus Normal Care Management