The Efficacy of Virtual Reality–Based Interventions in Breast Cancer–Related Symptom Management

Background Breast cancer patients experience a range of disease- and treatment-related symptoms that seriously threaten their quality of life. Virtual reality (VR), an emerging complementary and integrative therapy, has been increasingly applied in clinical practice. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of VR-based interventions on symptom management in breast cancer patients. Objective This article aimed to systematically examine the effects of VR on breast cancer–related symptom management. Methods The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, Wan Fang, and VIP databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs published up to April 10, 2021. Studies using VR-based interventions to manage breast cancer–related symptoms were included. Two investigators independently reviewed and extracted data and evaluated methodological quality. RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was evaluated using Higgins’ I 2 (%) statistic. Results Eight RCTs and 6 quasi-RCTs with 797 participants were included. Virtual reality–based interventions significantly improved symptoms of anxiety, depression, pain, cognitive function, and shoulder range of motion in breast cancer patients, but no significant improvements in grip and upper extremity function were observed. Conclusion Virtual reality–based interventions had a positive effect on symptom management for breast cancer patients. Implications for Practice Health professionals, especially nurses, can apply VR in clinical practice to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. More studies are needed to draw higher quality conclusions and explore the best interventions and cost-effectiveness of VR.