A health-focused VR company is partnering with a cancer center to make radiation therapy a less-traumatizing experience for patients.
On Thursday, Rocket VR Health announced a partnership with Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center to research using VR technology in patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Rocket VR says its immersive meditation program will be part of a feasibility study that involves 25 patients using an HTC Vive Flow VR headset prior to daily treatments.
Perelman School of Medicine’s Associate Professor William Levin MD says the study goal is to show how virtual reality can improve patients’ radiation therapy experiences.
“Our study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of delivering VR-enhanced meditation to reduce anticipatory anxiety experienced by patients undergoing radiation therapy with the goal to help improve patient well-being during what is certainly one of the most stressful times in their lives,” says Levin in a Rocket VR press release. “Because radiation therapy is challenging when the patient is anxious and unable to lay still, we hope to gauge how well patients can slow their breathing for a more comfortable experience.”
According to Rocket VR, images and sounds in the headset create an immersive environment that utilizes mindful meditation in nature.
Rocket VR aims to turn the time before the procedure into a relaxing meditation experience in VR.
Before and after the procedures, patients will complete questionnaires to evaluate their experiences.
Rocket VR says staff will undergo assessment on their ability to use the technology for patients going through radiation therapy.
“We are thrilled to be working with the talented research team at Penn Medicine as well as the HTC Vive Flow, one of the lightest and most ergonomic headsets on the market,” says Rocket VR COO Nik Vassev. “Our solution aims to improve the radiation therapy experience, which at times can be anxiety-provoking.”