HopeLab validated the benefits of their cancer-fighting video game by conducting a randomized, controlled trial with 375 male and female cancer patients aged 13 – 29, enrolled at 34 medical centers in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
Preliminary study results, which were first presented in March of 2006 at peer-reviewed scientific meetings, indicate that playing Re-Mission produced increases in quality of life, self-efficacy and cancer-related knowledge for adolescents and young adults with cancer.
In addition, young people who played Re-Mission maintained higher blood levels of chemotherapy and showed higher rates of antibiotic utilization than those in the control group, indicating that Re-Mission helps patients adhere to cancer therapy regimens.
Re-Mission was developed by HopeLab through a collaborative process that included video game developers and animators, cancer experts, cell biologists, psychologists, and young people with cancer themselves. Re-Mission’s 20 levels of game-play combine scientific accuracy with an honest depiction of young people’s challenges with cancer.
The game is a challenging, 3-D “shooter” with 20 levels of game play, in which players control a nanobot named Roxxi as she travels through the bodies of fictional cancer patients to destroy cancer cells, battle bacterial infections, and manage side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatments. The game is designed to be cool and fun to appeal to its target audience, while helping players understand the importance of treatment adherence and key behaviors that can improve their health and quality of life. The game is rated “T” for young people age 13 and up by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Available in CD and DVD formats for PC computers, CIGNA HealthCare members, contracted health care providers and members of the general public may order the game at no charge from the company’s flagship public Website http://www.cigna.com/re-mission.