INNV-21. FEASIBILITY OF A VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) INTERVENTION TARGETING DISTRESS AND ANXIETY IN PRIMARY BRAIN TUMOR (PBT) PATIENTS AT THE TIME OF NEUROIMAGING: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A PHASE 2 CLINICAL TRIAL

Background/Purpose: PBT patients experience high levels of distress and anxiety symptoms at the time of neuroimaging (“scanxiety”). This single-arm phase 2 clinical trial interim analysis investigated the feasibility of an immersive VR intervention administered via telehealth for PBT populations. Methods: English-speaking adult patients with upcoming neuroimaging who can self-report symptoms and have reported distress on prior patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were eligible. Exclusion criteria include recent cranial surgery, scalp wounds, or seizures, anxiety disorders, nausea, and visual deficits. The primary intervention is a brief self-selected VR relaxation scenario completed prior to neuroimaging followed by self-directed use for 1 month. PROs are completed before and immediately after the intervention, as well as 1 week and 1 month later, with a qualitative phone interview to assess satisfaction. Results: Fifty-five screened patients were contacted via email with 15 (27%) no responses. 40 patients were approached with 9 (16%) declines, 11 (20%) screen fails, and 20 patients were consented and enrolled. Decline reasons included treatment-related symptoms (11%), no distress or anxiety (30%), and unknown (56%). Screen fail reasons included vertigo and incisional scalp pain (9%), recent seizure activity (9%), diplopia (9%), and anxiety disorders (9% claustrophobia/ panic disorder, 18% PTSD, and 36% GAD). Of those enrolled, 50% were male and the majority were 50 years old (65%), White/ non-Hispanic (90%), and had a KPS score of 90 (85%), a high-grade tumor (65%), and were on active treatment. 100% of enrolled patients completed the VR intervention, weekly check-ins, PRO questionnaires, and qualitative interview. >90% of patients found VR worthwhile, would use VR again, and would recommend VR to other patients for use before clinical evaluations. Conclusions and Implications: These findings suggest that VR intervention is feasible and study continuation is warranted. The high incidence of PTSD and GAD has not been previously reported and necessitates further exploration.