Virtual Reality Combined with Artificial Intelligence (VR-AI) Reduces Hot Flashes and Improves Psychological Well-Being in Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and aims: Breast and ovarian cancers affect the lives of many women worldwide. Female cancer survivors often experience hot flashes, a subjective sensation of heat associated with objective signs of cutaneous vasodilatation and a subsequent drop in core temperature. Breast and Ovarian cancer patients also suffer from sleep difficulties and mental health issues. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Bubble, a novel artificial intelligence–virtual reality (AI–VR) intervention for the treatment of hot flashes in female breast or ovarian cancer patients. Methods: Forty-two women with breast and/or ovarian cancer participated in the study. The mean age was 47 years (range: 25–60 years). Patients suffered from hot flashes at different frequencies. They used Bubble, a virtual reality (VR) mobile psychological intervention based on elements from both cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. The intervention took place in a VR environment, in a winter wonderland setting called Frosty. Patients were instructed to use Bubble at home twice a day (morning and evening) and when experiencing a hot flash. Participants were asked to use the application for 24 consecutive days. Before and after this 24-day period, patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing hot flashes, general psychiatric distress, perceived stress, illness perception, sleep quality, and quality of life. Results: Between pre- and post-intervention, participants reported a significant reduction in the daily frequency of hot flashes, stress, general psychiatric distress, several domains of QOL, and sleep difficulties, as well as an improvement in illness perception. In addition, they reported very high satisfaction with Bubble. Importantly, both age and baseline levels of psychopathology moderated the effect of Bubble on sleep difficulties. Discussion: This study showed preliminary evidence for the potential of VR interventions in alleviating hot flashes and accompanying mental distress among those coping with breast and ovarian cancer. VR is a powerful therapeutic tool, able to address mind–body aspects in a direct, vivid way. More studies are needed in order to fully understand the potential of this unique intervention.

Acupuncture in cancer care: a narrative review

“…Hot flashes are a subjective symptom associated with objective signs of cutaneous vasodilation and a subsequent drop in core temperature with sweating, flushing, palpitations, anxiety, panic, and irritability, which appear in women with hypoestrogenism during climacteric and menopause periods. Among survivors of gynecological cancer, there is an increase in the prevalence of symptoms by up to 35%, worsening the QoL of these patients 27 .…”

Virtual reality for physical and psychological improvement during the treatment of patients with breast cancer: Systematic review

“…Cybersickness refers to the unpleasant symptoms and side effects that users experience during or after immersing themselves in virtual reality, including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, eyestrain, and sweating (74). According to Horesh et al, most of the patients involved in their study did not report any symptoms of cyberdisease (44). Zasadzka et al presented a study in which these symptoms manifested themselves in less than 20% of cases (20).…”

“…In another study, Horesh et al They recruited 42 women with cancer aged between 18 and 60. These participants were recruited by sending emails or direct contact with their personal physician (44). Chin et al They included 38 women with cancer in their study and carried out interventions using virtual reality (59).…”

Effect of virtual reality-based mindfulness training model on anxiety, depression, and cancer-related fatigue in ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy

“…With advantages such as immersion, interactivity, and conceptualization, virtual reality (VR) is a safe and effective technology that could help reduce anxiety and depression in patients with breast cancer and lung cancer [ 8 , 9 ]. In foreign countries, VR-based mindfulness training has achieved positive results in alleviating the anxiety, depression, pain, and menopausal symptoms of patients [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. However, in China, no study has ever been conducted to investigate the effect of VR-based mindfulness training in EOC treatment.…”