Virtual reality as part of cancer care

A new policy brief published in Health Research Policy and Systems highlights Virtual Reality (VR) technology as a critical, non-pharmacological tool for managing the physical and emotional burden of cancer treatment, including pain and anxiety. However, the study warns that a lack of political and financial support is severely limiting its reach.

The brief, authored by Esmaeel Toni and Haleh Ayatollahi, synthesizes existing research on VR’s efficacy, which shows it can significantly alleviate cancer-related pain, reduce anxiety during procedures, and improve emotional well-being—often referred to as supportive care. Despite these promising clinical applications, its integration into oncology settings remains slow.