Virtual reality for outpatient management of cancer pain a pilot dosing study Quiz

James is a 58-year-old African American male with metastatic lung cancer experiencing chronic cancer-related pain rated 6/10. He is currently on a stable opioid regimen including oxycodone 20 mg every 8 hours as needed for breakthrough pain. He reports dissatisfaction with his current pain control and is interested in nonpharmacological options. He has no history of seizures or motion sickness and has access to a Meta Quest 2 VR headset provided by his oncology clinic.

Question: Based on the pilot dosing study by Groninger et al., what VR dosing schedule should the pharmacist recommend to optimize analgesic benefits for James’ chronic cancer pain?

Linda is a 62-year-old woman with breast cancer and chronic pain managed with morphine extended-release 30 mg twice daily and hydromorphone 2 mg as needed for breakthrough pain. She has started using VR distraction therapy daily for 10 minutes as part of her outpatient pain management. She asks whether VR will help reduce her need for breakthrough opioids.

Question: What should the pharmacist counsel Linda regarding the effect of VR therapy on breakthrough opioid use based on current evidence?

Maria is a 54-year-old African American female with chronic cancer pain who has been prescribed VR therapy using a Meta Quest 2 headset. She is concerned about potential side effects and how to integrate VR into her daily routine alongside her current medications, including gabapentin 300 mg three times daily and fentanyl patch 50 mcg/hr.

Question: What key counseling points should the pharmacist provide to Maria about VR therapy based on the pilot study findings?