Evidencia científica sobre el uso de realidad virtual inmersiva en el manejo del dolor oncológico
Palabras clave:
Realidad virtual; Dolor en cáncer; Analgesia multimodal; Procedimientos; Quimioterapia; Ensayos clínicos aleatorizadosResumen
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i17.0333
Resumen
Introducción: El dolor relacionado con el cáncer continúa siendo un problema clínico frecuente y difícil de controlar. En los últimos años, la realidad virtual inmersiva ha emergido como una intervención no farmacológica capaz de modular la percepción del dolor durante procedimientos y tratamientos oncológicos, mejorando la experiencia del paciente. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre el uso de la realidad virtual inmersiva como intervención complementaria para reducir el dolor percibido en pacientes oncológicos, en comparación con la atención estándar. Métodos: Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios cuasi-experimentales y estudios observacionales con grupo comparador publicados entre 2020 y 2025, que evaluaron dolor con escalas validadas. Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO y CINAHL. La selección se efectuó por pares mediante herramientas digitales; los datos fueron extraídos con un formulario estandarizado y se evaluó la calidad metodológica con listas de verificación validadas. La síntesis se realizó de manera narrativa. Resultados: Se identificaron 258 registros y se incluyeron 15 estudios. La mayoría mostró reducciones significativas del dolor durante procedimientos invasivos y tratamientos oncológicos. En población pediátrica se observaron disminuciones relevantes en dolor y ansiedad. Discusión:Los hallazgos indican que la realidad virtual inmersiva es una herramienta segura y efectiva para disminuir el dolor y favorecer la adaptación emocional, aunque persiste heterogeneidad metodológica y tamaños muestrales reducidos. Conclusiones: La realidad virtual inmersiva constituye una intervención complementaria prometedora para el manejo del dolor en pacientes oncológicos. Se recomienda desarrollar estudios multicéntricos con mayor rigor metodológico.
Palabras claves: Realidad virtual; Dolor en cáncer; Analgesia multimodal; Procedimientos; Quimioterapia; Ensayos clínicos aleatorizados.
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer-related pain remains a frequent and challenging clinical problem. In recent years, immersive virtual reality has emerged as a non-pharmacological intervention capable of modulating pain perception during oncological procedures and treatments, improving the patient experience. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence on the use of immersive virtual reality as a complementary intervention to reduce perceived pain in oncology patients, compared with standard care. Methods: Randomized clinical trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies with comparator groups published between 2020 and 2025 were included, all of which evaluated pain using validated scales. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and CINAHL. Study selection was performed in pairs using digital screening tools; data extraction was carried out with a standardized form, and methodological quality was assessed using validated checklists. A narrative synthesis was performed. Results: A total of 258 records were identified, of which 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most reported significant reductions in pain during invasive procedures and oncological treatments. In pediatric populations, notable decreases in both pain and anxiety were observed. No serious adverse events related to the use of immersive virtual reality were reported. Discussion: Findings indicate that immersive virtual reality is a safe and effective tool for reducing pain and supporting emotional adaptation. However, methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes persist across studies. Conclusions: Immersive virtual reality represents a promising complementary intervention for managing pain in oncology patients. Multicenter studies with greater methodological rigor are recommended.
Keywords: Virtual reality; Cancer pain; Multimodal analgesia; Procedures; Chemotherapy; Randomized controlled trials.
Información del manuscrito:
Fecha de recepción: 08 de octubre de 2025.
Fecha de aceptación: 18 de diciembre de 2025.
Fecha de publicación: 10 de enero de 2026.
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