How can virtual reality improve patient treatment?

This project combines the virtual reality treatment of the patient through radiotherapy.

Reminder: what is radiotherapy?

Along with surgery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy is one of the three major therapeutic weapons against cancer. Today, in Western countries, 60% of patients have radiotherapy treatment during their treatment. The therapeutic principle at work is that of the destruction of cancerous cells thanks to ionizing rays targeted on the tumor and sparing healthy tissue as much as possible. Technological advances in the field of radiotherapy have enabled continuous improvement in the accuracy of theirradiationtaking into account movements, the reproducibility of the sessions by adapting to changes in the tumor and its environment. These advances also contribute to minimizing the side effects of treatments.

The Hartmann Institute of Radiotherapy (ELSAN Group) offers high-precision techniques to patients and, for the past few days, a virtual reality experience – called VORTHEx – allowing patients to experience a prior simulation of the treatments carried out thanks to two Cyberknifes of the Center. This innovative experience was developed thanks to the expertise of 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, unit of the Dassault Systèmes group specializing in the development of virtual reality tools.

Virtual reality at the service of the patient experience

Faced with the heaviness of their treatment against cancer and the distressing feeling that can emerge from radiotherapy treatment rooms, patients often find themselves weakened. They are struggling with the protocolsappointments with specialists and articulated robots large figures in the radiotherapy room moving around them. These conditions do not always prepare them peacefully for their treatment of radiotherapy. The VORTHEx project aims to improve the patient experience of radiotherapy through a virtual treatment room, a space twin of the new radiotherapy room at the Hartmann Institute”.

The virtual reality process has already proven itself in the field of medicine. Thus, VR (Virtual Reality) was used to reduce the painrelieve stress and anxiety, overcome addiction, improve rehabilitation methods in patients who have undergone stroke…

What is the VORTHEx project?

The VORTHEx project will allow people with cancer to better understand the benefit of their treatment, to visualize it through virtual reality to better understand it. It will be set up initially within the Hartmann Institute of Radiotherapy, which has one of the latest therapeutic innovations, the Cyberknife robot developed by Accuray. The latter makes it possible to treat tumors thanks to a high-precision technique that irradiates tiny volumes achieved. It precisely targets the diseased area and therefore does not affect analogous tissues. Thanks to the VORTHEx project, patients will be able to visualize in 3D “ all the technical and protocol components of the treatment, namely: the room, the Cyberknife robot arm, the position of the patient, the modalities and the stages of the sessions (source: website 3DEXPERIENCE Lab). This 3D initiative which aims to prepare patients before their treatment is a world first.

Accompany the patient to maximize the chances of recovery

Thanks to the use of 3D simulation tools from the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab by Dassault Systèmes, patients will have the opportunity to visualize the future treatment that they will receive. In this unique experience, they will be accompanied by someone from the care team who will be able to answer all their questions about the treatment process.

The VORTHEx project supports patients in their disease. Indeed, better understanding the treatment will give them a better chance of triumphing over their cancer. The objective of the experience is to familiarize them with the protocol, the place and the tools of the treatment. The implementation of the VORTHEx project aims to improve patient comfort, lessen their apprehension and deepen their understanding of the radiotherapy protocol.

According to the Hartmann Institute of Radiotherapy, supporting people with cancer before and after their treatment is essential to fight the disease. It is therefore quite natural that the center associated itself with the Rafaël Institute. This European center provides free support to patients before and after their cancer. The two institutes, as well as an ELSAN establishment, pool their skills to offer patients the time andenergy they will need to rebuild themselves in the best possible conditions.

The 3DEXPERIENCE Lab to support innovation

3DEXPERIENCE Lab is an initiative launched by Dassault Systèmes. The objective of the firm is then to help the launch of projects initiated by start-ups having chosen one of the following themes: City, Life, Style of life, Ideation or FabLab. Those who are selected will thus be supported for 2 to 5 years. The program 3DEXPERIENCE Lab will provide them with virtual simulation tools allowing them to develop their project. Through his program 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, Dassault Systèmes wishes to support the creation and enable the realization of new experiences leading to a positive impact in today’s society and for the world of tomorrow.

Article produced in partnership with Dassault Systèmes