Virtual Reality Eases Stress and Pain During Chemotherapy, New Study Finds
In the evolving landscape of cancer care, enhancing patient comfort and emotional well-being is just as crucial as delivering effective treatment. A recent randomized controlled trial published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (February 2025) explores an innovative approach to improving the chemotherapy experience: virtual reality (VR).
The Study: VR in an Outpatient Infusion Clinic
Conducted at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, the study evaluated how a short VR session impacted patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Ninety adult patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one received standard care, and the other experienced a 12-minute immersive VR session during their infusion.
Participants in the VR group viewed narrated video tours of scenic destinations—Venice, the Ecuadorian Amazon, and Agra—while their stress, pain, mood, heart rate, and satisfaction were monitored before and after the session.
Key Findings: Real Relief in Just 12 Minutes
The results were compelling:
Stress levels dropped significantly in the VR group compared to the control group (average reduction of 1.5 points on a 10-point scale).
Pain decreased by an average of 0.7 points—small but meaningful, especially for patients already managing multiple symptoms.
Positive mood improved, while negative emotions declined markedly.
Heart rates, a key physiological indicator of stress, dropped by an average of 6.6 beats per minute.
Patient satisfaction was high: the majority of participants rated their VR experience between 9 and 10 out of 10.
Cybersickness, a concern with VR use, was minimal, with most reporting no symptoms.
These outcomes suggest that even a brief VR session can significantly enhance the emotional and physical comfort of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Why It Matters: Non-Pharmacologic Support for Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy can be a long, isolating, and physically taxing experience. Patients often spend hours in infusion chairs, facing anxiety, fatigue, or discomfort. VR offers a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to provide psychological relief, reduce perceived pain, and improve overall treatment experience.
This is especially relevant as healthcare providers seek alternatives to pharmacologic interventions like opioids, which carry risks of dependency and side effects.
Practical Applications for Nursing and Clinical Practice
The study’s authors emphasize that VR is:
Feasible: Headsets are affordable and easy to use with proper training.
Scalable: Volunteers or staff can support implementation in clinics.
Patient-friendly: Educational materials in waiting areas can help patients self-identify interest and comfort levels.
Nurses and oncology teams are uniquely positioned to screen patients, offer VR as a distraction intervention, and tailor the experience based on individual needs or treatment phases.
Looking Ahead: More Research Needed
While this trial provides strong support for VR as a tool for stress and symptom management, more research is needed to:
Assess long-term effects of regular VR use
Explore demographic variations in VR responses
Investigate different types of VR content and duration
Measure VR’s impact on treatment adherence, quality of life, and overall outcomes
Conclusion
As this study illustrates, virtual reality is more than just entertainment—it’s an emerging therapeutic tool with the potential to transform how we support patients during chemotherapy. With high patient satisfaction, minimal side effects, and measurable benefits to mood and stress levels, VR could soon become a standard part of holistic cancer care.
Whether you're an oncology nurse, a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, the message is clear: sometimes, a short escape into a beautiful virtual world can make a very real difference.
Reference
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
