Clinical Research Directory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory-assisted Virtual Reality for Chronic CANcer Pain (VR-CAN)

While chronic cancer pain affecting as many as 75% of patients is typically addressed using pharmacologic interventions, experts and patients alike support maximizing any relevant non-pharmacologic interventions as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Virtual reality, a novel technology that can temporarily immerse users in a calm, pleasant environment, has been increasingly shown to facilitate improvement in different acute and chronic pain syndromes by providing distraction from pain and lowering pain sensation. To address the significant needs of patients living with chronic cancer pain, we aim to develop and pilot test a prototype device that will leverage cognitive behavioral therapy principles to deliver a novel virtual reality pain therapy. The investigators will do this through the following steps: Step 1. Develop and refine a CBT-assisted VR prototype for patients with chronic cancer pain (VR-CAN). Step 2. Conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, and initial clinical impact of the developed VR-CAN prototype compared to a tablet-based two-dimensional video control group. Step 3. Collect and evaluate qualitative post-intervention data on VR-CAN participants' preferences, thoughts, and feelings about the VR-CAN technology and protocol to optimize for a future, larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial.

Effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Quality of Life in Chronic Cancer Pain

This study aims to objectively evaluate the effect of Patient-Controlled Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (PC-TEAS) on improving the quality of life in patients with chronic cancer pain, thereby providing evidence-based medical support for its efficacy and offering practical basis for patients to achieve home-based auxiliary treatment based on their own needs. Furthermore, by observing and comparing changes in indicators such as pain-related scores, analgesic consumption, emotional scores, spontaneous bowel movements, and adverse events, this research will comprehensively assess the advantages of PC-TEAS in the management of chronic cancer pain and explore other potential benefits of this intervention for patients.