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Cancer research

Novobeing's Immersive Mindfulness Programs Show Promise for Oncology Care

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study conducted by Novobeing in collaboration with Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates the significant impact of immersive mindfulness programs on reducing anxiety levels in cancer patients. The IRB-approved pilot study, which enrolled 25 patients with thoracic cancers, showed that a single 8-minute Novobeing mindfulness session delivered immediately before the CT simulation resulted in measurable reductions in anxiety levels. Patients experienced a 36% decrease in negative emotions and a 31% increase in positive emotions, indicating both statistical and clinical significance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, conducted from April 2024 to February 2025 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical impact of the VR-based intervention on anxiety levels in cancer patients.
  • 100% of the 25 patients with thoracic cancers completed the 8-minute Novobeing mindfulness session, meeting the study's primary endpoint of feasibility.
  • The intervention resulted in significant reductions in negative emotions, including a 36% decrease in "I am worried," a 33% decrease in "I am tense," and a 29% decrease in "I feel upset."
  • Patients also experienced a 31% increase in positive emotions, including a 27% increase in "I feel content" and a 25% increase in "I feel calm."
  • The changes reflect both statistical and clinical significance, supporting the feasibility and emotional impact of VR-guided mindfulness in a high-stress clinical setting.
  • 92% of patients indicated that they would use the intervention again, and 88% said they would recommend it to other patients.
  • The study suggests that cancer care begins with mindset and that brief, guided mindfulness experiences in VR can reduce anxiety and help patients feel more emotionally prepared for treatment.

Statistics:

  • The study enrolled 25 patients with thoracic cancers.
  • 100% of patients completed the 8-minute Novobeing mindfulness session.
  • The intervention resulted in a 36% decrease in negative emotions and a 31% increase in positive emotions.
  • 92% of patients indicated that they would use the intervention again.
  • 88% of patients said they would recommend the intervention to other patients.

Sources:

  • Novobeing press release, Oct. 15, 2025 ( "Feasibility trial with Penn Medicine shows Novobeing's immersive mindfulness programs are promising supportive tools for oncology care.")
  • "Virtual Reality (VR)-Based Mindfulness Practice and Anxiety in Patients Preparing for Radiotherapy," presented at the 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting and published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.

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