Immersive horizons: navigating ethical terrain and practical boundaries in the use of virtual reality for cancer symptom management – a comprehensive narrative review

Aisha R. Siddiqui; Hari C. Kistipati; Fatema A. Asghar; Sameer Bhimani; Muhammad T. Habib; Farina F. Siddiqui; Mariam Anwar; Muhammad H. Gul; Hassan Ali Hassan Ali; Muhammad M. Khan

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20234027

Authors

Aisha R. Siddiqui Department of Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan
Hari C. Kistipati Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, India
Fatema A. Asghar Department of Internal Medicine, Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), Sindh, Pakistan
Sameer Bhimani Department of Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), Sindh, Pakistan
Muhammad T. Habib Department of Internal Medicine, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Farina F. Siddiqui Department of Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan
Mariam Anwar Department of Internal Medicine Baqai Medical College (BMC), Pakistan
Muhammad H. Gul Department of Internal Medicine, Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan, KPK, Pakistan
Hassan Ali Hassan Ali Department of Internal Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad M. Khan Department of Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20234027

Keywords:

Virtual reality, Cancer care, Rehabilitation therapy, Cancer-related fatigue, Pain

Abstract

Cancer is a significant healthcare problem. However, advancements in diagnostic procedures and therapeutic modalities have led to a decline in cancer mortality rates by 1% annually in most countries. Cancer patients often experience symptoms such as pain, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, and lymphedema. To counter these side effects, there have been tremendous efforts. One such effort is the use of virtual reality (VR) technology, which is an interactive technology. VR has played a significant role in managing disorders such as phobias and anxiety disorders, and support for patients with cognitive and physical rehabilitation, acute and chronic pain management, and emotional support in different settings such as during hospitalizations. Our team conducted an extensive search for electronic literature on virtual reality in various databases, such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Psych INFO, up to July 2023. We used keywords like "virtual reality," "cancer care," "depression," "cognition," "pain," "telemedicine," "rehabilitation care," "physical therapy," "radiotherapy," "telerehabilitation," "avatar," "video games," and "visual aid" as our search criteria. VR interventions for cancer patients include exposure therapy, psycho-education, and relaxation techniques, which have been shown to reduce symptoms significantly. VR distraction can also mitigate pain during medical procedures. Studies suggest that VR holds promise in rehabilitation and oncologic treatment, as it can improve function metrics, range of motion, and motivation for treatment. The review scrutinizes the use of digital information and virtual reality technology to alleviate cancer-related distress by providing remote care.

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