Cancer Patients Helped by Video Game

A study of 375 teens and young adults by HopeLab indicated that a specially designed video game can be beneficial to cancer patients. Participants who were given the opportunity to play Re-Mission maintained higher levels of chemotherapy in their blood and took their antibiotics more consistently than those in the control group. The test group also showed better retention of cancer-related knowledge and an increase in self-efficacy.

"We have very effective treatments for cancer in adolescents, but they only work if the patient takes them," said Steve Cole, Ph.D., vice president of research at HopeLab and co-author of the article. "This study shows that a strategically designed video game can be a powerful new tool to enhance the impact of medical treatment by motivating healthy behavior in the patient."

"We now know that games can induce positive changes in the way individuals manage their health," added Cole. "The game not only motivates positive health behavior; it also gives players a greater sense of power and control over their disease -- in fact, that seems to be its key ingredient."