Abstract: Objective: To conduct a scoping review on the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in the symptom management of children with cancer, providing references for future research in this field. Methods: We systematically searched the domestic and international databases from their inception to July 1, 2025 for relevant literature. The included literature was then summarized and analyzed. Results: A total of 16 articles were enrolled, containing 11 randomized controlled trials and 5 quasi-experimental studies. According to the studies, the intervention elements included pre-intervention preparation, location, frequency, and duration. Nine studies conducted interventions through VR immersive scene experiences, and seven studies implemented interventions through VR games. Evaluation indicators referred to four aspects: mental health status, quality of life, physiological indicators, and feasibility. Conclusion: VR technology has demonstrated positive effects on symptom management in children with cancer, but the sample sizes are small and strategies to mitigate adverse reactions to VR interventions are lacking. Large sample, multicenter randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effects of VR interventions on symptom management in children with cancer.

Key words: Virtual Reality; children with cancer; symptom management; scoping review