Purpose: To test whether Virtual Reality (VR) can benefit cancer patients from their interaction with an immersive environment, on their mood and their biophysical parameters, compared to those who will experience a Guided Imagery (GI) intervention.

Methods: This was a randomized crossover trial with 50 cancer patients on active chemotherapy treatment, who were randomized to one of two treatment sequences VR-GI or GI-VR. Patients were assessed for Mood Changes, using POMS questionnaire, for three symptoms (Nausea, Pain and Feeling Sick), using three questions from FACT-G questionnaire, and Bio-physical parameters (Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation). Linear Mixed Effect Models were used for the statistical analysis.

Results: Patients experienced a better effect of mood state, for all the sub-scales of mood, after the VR intervention compared to GI, regardless of the sequence (p < 0.05). No effectiveness was found for Nausea, Pain and Feeling Sick symptoms. Statistically significant improvements were found on the Bio-physical parameters for the VR intervention (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: VR intervention based on mood induction strategies is a feasible and effective procedure for promoting positive mood in cancer patients during chemotherapy. Ways to integrate such innovative technologies in clinical practice need to be explored by health care professionals. Trial registration number: NCT02392728.