ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2110

Clinical - Sarcoma, skin cancer, melanoma

ESTRO 2024

We prospectively collected data from patients with sarcoma and asked them to fill out a questionnaire before and after using the VR device. Patients were selected provided they met specific criteria: ages 18-65 years old, osteosarcoma or soft tissue diagnosis, undergoing systemic therapy, undergoing radiotherapy, and/or surgical intervention. The questionnaire looked at the pain, anxiety and mood levels using a numerical scale. A distress thermometer using a numerical scale alongside an associated list of issues was used prior to the use of the device to determine overall distress levels during the previous seven days. Patients were instructed on how to use the VR headset and remote control prior to using the device. Patients selected their preferred options on the VR including games, relaxation, videos, and medical hypnosis. Patients were then able to use the device for a maximum of 20 minutes and were asked to complete the second half of the questionnaire, looking again at pain, anxiety, and mood levels. Additionally, usability of the VR device was assessed by a final set of questions. We are currently in the process of performing individual based analysis as a further statistical approach.

Results:

Overall, 6 [54.5%] of the participants were female and 5 [45.5%] were male with median age 40 [range = 42]. 4 [36.4%] participants had used a VR device before with 7 [63.6%] participants never using one before. The distress thermometer scale results presented a median of 5 [range = 9]. 6 [54.5%] participants were inpatients, and 5 participants were seen in outpatient settings. Anxiety levels were reduced in 5 [45.5%] participants, increased in 1 [9.0%] participant and no change in 5 [45.5%] participants. Pain levels were reduced in 3 [27.3%] participants, increased in 1 [9.0%] participant and no change in 7 [63.7%] participants. Mood was improved in in 6 [54.5%] participants and no change in 5 [45.5%] participants. All 11 [100%] participants thought the VR device was useful and 10 [90.9%] found the device interesting. In terms of usability, all 11 [100%] participants found the device easy to use and would use the device again if given the opportunity.

Conclusion:

There is no clear distinction whether VR has a distinct role in impacting emotional wellbeing of patients with sarcoma diagnoses. However, there may be indication at an individual level and opportunity to consider the role of using VR in medical oncology practice to improve overall emotional wellbeing. We await to perform individual based analysis to determine any statistical significance of this small-scale study. Additionally, this indicates the recommendation to further research role of VR in the emotional wellbeing on oncology patients.

Keywords: virtual reality, radiotherapy, sarcoma

References:

1. Storey L, Fern LA, Martins A, Wells M, Bennister L, Gerrand C, Onasanya M, Whelan JS, Windsor R, Woodford J, Taylor RM. A Critical Review of the Impact of Sarcoma on Psychosocial Wellbeing. Sarcoma. 2019 Feb 17;2019:9730867. doi: 10.1155/2019/9730867. PMID: 30911268; PMCID: PMC6397984