Cleveland Clinic Tests Virtual Reality for Cancer Distress

Up to 75% of cancer patients experience psychological distress, prompting a new clinical trial at the Cleveland Clinic evaluating immersive virtual reality and artificial intelligence to manage mental health during treatment, Consult QD reported. The psychological toll of a cancer diagnosis can significantly diminish a patient’s overall well-being, making mental health interventions a vital component of comprehensive care.

Immersive Virtual Reality During Chemotherapy Infusions

Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic evaluated whether immersive virtual reality could reduce psychological distress among 70 patients receiving chemotherapy infusions who had high baseline anxiety scores of 5 or higher on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer. Patients in the intervention group used a head-mounted device during chemotherapy to experience a three-dimensional visual and auditory environment designed to promote relaxation. Participants chose from more than 20 soothing settings, including a tropical forest, a beach, an island, and a lake house, while listening to preferred music.

The trial found a significant reduction in distress among patients who used the immersive virtual reality system, with additional improvements observed in secondary measures of depression, pain, and anxiety. Our goal was to provide patients with a practical, safe and accessible tool using a pleasant immersive experience as a distraction that could shift their attention away from an unpleasant stimulus during treatment, according to comments shared in the report by Zeina Nahleh, Medical Director of the Maroone Cancer Center in Weston, Florida, as well as Regional Chair of Hematology-Oncology for Cleveland Clinic in Florida and Vice Chief of the Cancer Institute.

Clinical Trial Expansion at Cancer Centers

Early data from the trial were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Meeting, and a peer-reviewed manuscript was accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology Oncology Advances. Following the results, the Maroone Cancer Center acquired several new virtual reality systems over the summer and made the technology available to patients experiencing high levels of distress. Efforts are simultaneously underway to broaden availability at the Martin North Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center and the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center at Indian River Hospital.

In a separate investigator-initiated pilot study funded by the Casey DeSantis Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, researchers examined whether an artificial intelligence-powered mental health app could augment standard psychotherapy. The study enrolled 32 patients with high distress between late 2025 and May 2026. Participants in the intervention group received access to the Wysa app alongside standard psychotherapy, while control patients received standard psychotherapy alone.

Artificial Intelligence App Augments Standard Psychotherapy

The Wysa app incorporates evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, allowing patients to select areas to address, including stress, anxiety, frustration, or pain. A multidisciplinary team customized the commercially available application for cancer patients, incorporating 31 guided self-care learning modules available in English and Spanish. Participants were required to attend at least three psychotherapy sessions and use the app frequently over a three-month period.

While data analysis remains underway, preliminary findings indicate that patients frequently used the application at home and at different times of need. The initial feedback from patients was positive, but we will await the final analysis to see if the app adds value above and beyond the psychotherapy sessions alone, Dr. Nahleh stated.

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