For young cancer patients, the journey through treatment can be lonely and difficult, especially when dealing with rare types of cancer. Recent research by Professor Joe Hasei and a team of experts from Okayama University and other institutions in Japan is exploring an innovative solution: using the “metaverse,” or a virtual reality space, to provide critical emotional support. Their study, published in Cancers, investigates how a virtual environment could offer a much-needed support system for young people facing rare cancers.
The study gathered ten young cancer patients and survivors across Japan who joined virtual sessions in the metaverse, where they could create digital characters, or “avatars,” to interact with each other. This setup allowed them to connect without worrying about appearance-related stress or social stigma—an important factor for those dealing with the visible effects of cancer treatments, such as hair loss or other changes. As lead researcher Professor Hasei noted, “The anonymity provided by avatars helps reduce appearance-related anxiety and the stigma associated with cancer treatment.” In this way, the metaverse allowed young patients to talk more freely and interact with others who understood their unique challenges.
The team’s findings revealed a powerful benefit: patients reported feeling much more comfortable talking about their feelings in this virtual space than in traditional support groups. This approach enabled young patients to connect with others going through similar experiences, even if they were separated by hundreds of miles. A particularly moving example involved a 19-year-old with a rare cancer affecting his spine. Through metaverse sessions, he connected with another young person facing a similar condition, despite living far apart. This connection provided practical advice and much-needed companionship, even helping the patient smile for the first time since his hospitalization. This unique interaction demonstrated just how powerful virtual peer support can be for reducing the isolation that so many young patients feel.
Beyond helping individual patients, the study found that the metaverse offers a flexible platform that can adapt to different patient needs. For example, avatars allowed young people to express themselves without feeling self-conscious, and the virtual environment was designed with calming features, like oceans and gardens, which provided a soothing escape from their usual hospital surroundings. Real-time voice chat and animations that allowed for gestures created a realistic, interactive experience, making the sessions feel more natural. By bringing in elements of the outside world, the researchers hoped to ease the feeling of confinement experienced by young patients who may spend long periods in hospitals.
Feedback from participants highlighted the positive impact of this virtual approach. They said the avatars made it easier to share their emotions, which helped them feel more connected and comfortable even when speaking with healthcare professionals. This shows that digital interactions in a thoughtfully designed virtual setting can offer crucial emotional support. Additionally, the study found that this approach could be valuable for the families of patients, who often feel isolated and stressed. Engaging in virtual support networks tailored to rare cancer conditions offered families a chance to connect and find support, too.
This groundbreaking research paints a hopeful picture of how the metaverse might change patient care. By creating welcoming, immersive spaces, healthcare providers can deliver a new type of interaction that feels supportive and less intimidating than traditional settings. As Professor Hasei emphasized, “This innovative intervention has the potential to revolutionize patient care in the digital age.” These findings could pave the way for more hospitals to integrate metaverse environments into their services, particularly for young patients who may already feel at home in digital spaces.
Professor Hasei added: “Witnessing a young patient smile for the first time since hospitalization after connecting with a peer through the metaverse was a powerful moment that illustrated how technology can break through isolation and create meaningful connections. This goes beyond just treating the disease – it’s about healing the whole person.”
As technology continues to evolve, the researchers encourage the healthcare field to consider metaverse-based support programs that enable patients to connect meaningfully, no matter the distance. With more research and larger groups of participants, the potential to use virtual environments to address a wide range of healthcare needs could become a reality, giving patients worldwide the opportunity to connect, share, and heal together.
Journal Reference
Hasei, J., Ishida, H., Katayama, H., Maeda, N., Nagano, A., Ochi, M., Okamura, M., Iwata, S., Ikuta, K., Yoshida, S., et al. “Utilizing the Metaverse to Provide Innovative Psychosocial Support for Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients with Rare Cancer.” Cancers, 2024, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152617
About the Author
Joe Hasei is a Professor at the Department of Medical Information and Assistive Technology Development, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, a position he has held since 2024. His research focuses on developing medical technologies using digital innovations, including the Metaverse and artificial intelligence. In 2011, he participated in the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Institutional Program for Young Researcher Overseas Visits (ITP) and studied abroad at the University of Münster in Germany. In 2014, he served as a Research Associate at The Scripps Research Institute in the United States, where he conducted molecular biology research using chondrocytes. Since 2018, Professor Hasei has been actively involved in the research and development of medical AI. His work in this field began at Okayama University, where he has been applying artificial intelligence to various aspects of healthcare and medical research. Professor Hasei is dedicated to advancing healthcare through the integration of digital technologies, aiming to innovate medical practices with the use of Metaverse platforms and artificial intelligence. His ongoing work combines his background in medical research with cutting-edge technology to create new solutions in the healthcare sector.
