Queen’s collaborate on new XR project to support survivors of testicular cancer
Queen’s University Belfast announce role in major new €6 million European project that will revolutionise how adolescents and young adults manage the long-term effects of testicular cancer.
The most common cancer in males aged 15 to 39 years, testicular cancer incidence rates within Europe has doubled over the past 40 years. While survival rates exceed 95%, survivors can face a lifetime of physical, psychological, and social complications.
This project, TRANSCEND-XR, is a five-and-a-half-year project funded by Horizon Europe. It will co-create and evaluate a cutting-edge eXtended Reality (XR) experience aimed at improving the quality of life of testicular cancer survivors.
Moving away from traditional strategies, this project will be digitally led in attempt to engage with young people via a medium that appeals to them. Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Digital Reality will be considered in this innovative cancer survivorship research project.
The TRANSCEND-XR intervention will be tested in a randomised controlled trial involving 230 testicular cancer survivors across Europe, using a digital platform co-designed with survivors, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals.
Professor Joanne Reid, Chair of Cancer and Palliative Care from the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s commented:
“Adolescence and early adulthood are critical stages for personal growth and development. We know that adolescent and young adult survivors of testicular cancer often face holistic late effects spanning physical, psychological and social domains. This project will develop and test an immersive educational tool to support cancer survivorship in this area, and our team within Queen’s look forward to playing a significant role in this.”
The initiative, which will be led by University College Cork, brings together 15 partners from 12 countries and 15 disciplines, including clinicians, epidemiologists, XR developers, 3D artists and, crucially, testicular cancer survivors themselves.
Dr Mohamad Saab, Senior Lecturer at UCC’s School of Nursing & Midwifery and TRANSCEND-XR Project Coordinator said: "We know that young survivors of testicular cancer often face a heavy burden of late effects, from cardiovascular disease to mental health challenges, yet few resources speak directly to their lived experience. The purpose of TRANSCEND-XR is to change that."
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For media enquiries please contact Grace White, Strategic Communications at Queen’s University Belfast: g.white@qub.ac.uk