Abstract B093: Immersive patient education to reduce disparities in radiation oncology: Early results from a virtual reality intervention

Abstract Background: Patient education is crucial for cancer treatment adherence and outcomes. However, traditional approaches often fail to meet the needs of individuals with limited health literacy, elevated anxiety, or reduced access to care—factors contributing to disparities in radiation oncology. To address this, we developed a modular educational tool with videos and virtual reality (VR) components designed for adults. These modules feature plain-language narration, diverse visuals, and walkthroughs of the treatment process. The goal is to improve understanding and reduce anxiety related to radiation therapy. Methods: Patients receiving external beam radiation therapy were randomized to standard-of-care (SOC) education or intervention. Those in the intervention group received the newly developed educational tool. For the VR component, we surveyed patients for potential cybersickness and offered a flattened version on an iPad when needed. Surveys using the Likert scale were administered at five timepoints: pre-consult, post-consult, pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and end of treatment. This preliminary analysis includes data from the first six weeks of a six-month pilot (n=14, projected n=60) and reflects responses from the first three timepoints. Surveys assessed self-reported and provider-assessed anxiety and understanding. Treatment data is being collected for all patients, including daily image acquisitions, the magnitude of shifts in positioning, and biometric data (heart rate, respiration rate). Not enough data has been collected to highlight results for all categories. Results: The average age of the 14 enrolled patients is 67. At baseline, both groups reported low understanding (mean = 2). Post-consult, understanding improved in both groups, with greater gains in the intervention arm (Δ mean = 2.5 vs. 2.0). At pre-treatment, the intervention group retained higher understanding (median = 5 vs. 4), and providers rated them as more informed (mean = 4 vs. 3). Cancer-related anxiety declined in both groups post-consult, with the intervention group showing more consistent anxiety levels across timepoints (post-consult SOC 1.17 vs. Intervention 0.99; pre-1st treatment SOC 1.63 vs 1.40). Treatment-related anxiety dropped in the intervention group (median Δ = –2) but remained unchanged in SOC. Scheduling anxiety steadily declined in the intervention group, with a lower final median (1.5 vs. 2), while SOC anxiety returned to baseline. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that immersive educational tools for adults may enhance patient comprehension and reduce anxiety, addressing disparities in cancer care. Ongoing data collection will determine the full impact of this intervention on patient adherence, procedural efficiency, and clinical outcomes. Citation Format: Sarah Wisnoskie, Sydney Lash, Nicole Carone, Sarah Cummings, Christy Hickerson, Gretchen Kessler, Kelli Reardon, Alison Amos, Ashlyn Zebrowski, Shawna Buchanan, Corey Henderson, Alan Baydush. Immersive patient education to reduce disparities in radiation oncology: Early results from a virtual reality intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B093.