Virtual/Augmented Reality and Cancer

Introduction

Cancer is a leading cause of death in America. It is a disease where cells grow and divide uncontrollably (National Cancer Institute). Today, doctors are pushing to understand and find a treatment for cancers. One of these treatments is Virtual/Augmented Reality technology. Virtual/Augmented reality helps doctors understand the disease (Weill Cornell Medicine, 2016), calm the patient (Cognihab), and help surgeons practice malignant tumor extraction (Mazur et al, 2018).

Understanding Cancer

According to Cornell Medicine, using a virtual reality display, doctors can observe a detailed 3-dimensional model to find the root of the cancer. The model can be controlled by the hands of a doctor by rotating the perspective or zooming in. This is crucial for doctors because they can see all the proteins and mutations that are responsible for the ailment. If the doctor figures out how the mutation or protein was created, then they can develop a medication tailored to that specific cancer. Moreover, doctors from different locations can collaborate on the same model. As a result, 3-dimensional interactive models would significantly help the process of treating cancer. (Weill Cornell Medicine, 2016).

Virtual Reality's Placid Environment

In cancer care centers, chemotherapy is a common and effective treatment for cancer. However, many experience unfortunate post-chemo symptoms. There have already been documented technological interventions to relax patients such as watching cartoons. Unfortunately, these methods are often short-lived and don't provide immersion. In contrast, virtual reality has its renowned ability to provide immersion. An immersive environment is more effective for the treatment of cancer patients. Now with the patient fully immersed, they can understand the disease, complete a mindfulness journey, do gamified post-operation exercises, and much more. This leads to better success and commitment in pre and postoperative rehabilitation (Cognihab).

Surgical Practice on Cancer

Virtual and augmented reality also offer surgical training exercises. The NIH states that practice helps malignant tumor surgeons plan and practice before an operation. It is significant that virtual and augmented technologies are able to simulate almost anything. In 2018, malpractice is taken one step back with revolutionary practice programs. Inside the headset, surgeons see a 3-dimensional computer-generated environment that incorporates a setting of a tumor removal. Surgeons can practice this as many times as they need without expending supplies thanks to the technological advantages of a virtual environment (Mazur et al, 2018).

References

Cognihab. (n.d.). Role of virtual reality in supporting cancer patients. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.cognihab.com/blog/vr-supporting-cancer-patients/ #:~:text=%20Role%20of%20Virtual%20Reality%20in%20Supporting%20Cancer,One%20of%20the%20gifts%20of%20Vi rtual...%20More%20

Mazur, T., Mansour, T. R., Mugge, L., & Medhkour, A. (2018). Virtual Reality-Based Simulators for Cranial Tumor Surgery: A Systematic Review. World neurosurgery, 110, 414–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2017.11.132

McCloy, R., & Stone, R. (2001). Science, medicine, and the future. Virtual reality in surgery. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 323(7318), 912–915. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.323.7318.912

National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). What is cancer? Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer

Weill Cornell Medicine. (2016, July 13). Doctors using virtual reality to treat cancer patients.

Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://meyercancer.weill.cornell.edu/news/2016-07-13/

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