Godrevy Project: virtual reality for symptom control and well being in patients with cancer

The Godrevy Project is an interventional trial designed to determine the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) on the holistic symptom control and well-being in patients with cancer. The primary objective was the impact of VR on the revised Edmonton Symptom and Assessment System (ESAS-r) score. The study included 58 eligible adult participants receiving inpatient treatment of systemic anticancer therapy. Patients self-selected from 18 VR video experiences, including a boat trip, an island tour, kayaking, island sunset, Venice, Godrevy Beach, an aquarium, and other experiences. The total ESAS-r scores showed an improvement of 42% compared with baseline, with well-being ESAS-r scores improving 51%. The most common side effect was drowsiness. There were no adverse events related to study participation. The authors conclude that the study demonstrated VR as an effective, patient controlled, non-pharmacologic intervention without significant side effects.