HopeLab, CIGNA Partner For Re-Mission Serious Game

Officials from non-profit organization HopeLab have announced a partnership with health and insurance firm CIGNA HealthCare to offer HopeLab's computer game Re-Mission to aid teens and young adults who have been stricken with cancer. The game, which is available free of charge to young people with cancer, has been scientifically shown to improve health-related outcomes associated with the illness. The initiative is just the first to result from the partnership between HopeLab and CIGNA, which the companies note is designed to “deliver innovative interventions that improve the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illnesses.” CIGNA HealthCare members, contracted health care providers and members of the general public may order the game at no charge from the GIGNA website. In the game, players control a Nanobot named Roxxi as they combat cancer cells throughout the human body, battling cancer and its life-threatening effects. The game combines biologic accuracy with an honest depiction of the challenges faced by young cancer patients. Through 20 different levels, the game illustrates what occurs inside the bodies of young cancer patients and how they can most effectively fight their disease. Re-Mission was developed through the collaborative efforts of young people with cancer, researchers, medical experts and game developers. A 2006 study examining 375 teens and young adults with cancer at 34 medical centers in the United States, Canada and Australia showed statistically significant improvements in cancer-related self-efficacy, social quality of life, cancer-specific knowledge, and adherence to prescribed medication regimens in patients who played Re-Mission. "Re-Mission works. It gives young people with cancer a sense of power and control over their disease," said HopeLab president Pat Christen. "Re-Mission is a powerful example of how rigorous research and rational engineering combined with fun, engaging game technology can improve lives. Teaming up with CIGNA HealthCare provides a great opportunity to get Re-Mission into the hands of clinicians and patients who can benefit most."