Lemo

Lemo: Humanization of Oncology Therapy

LEMO is an experience of digital immersive therapy designed to accompany patients during medical procedures, helping them manage anxiety, stress, and pain through virtual reality.

It was born as a tool for clinical and emotional support in hospital wards, with a non-pharmacological, safe, and easily integratable approach in daily practice.

Inside the VR headset, the patient is guided into an immersive environment characterized by soft colors, slow visual rhythm, and natural sounds, which promote calmness and physiological regulation. Through exercises of breathing, visualization, and focused attention, LEMO stimulates a process of progressive relaxation, reducing pain perception and fostering the recovery of a state of trust and control.

From a clinical perspective, the experience acts on two fundamental dimensions:

• the perceptual modulation of pain (according to Gate Control theory), through multisensory distraction and reduction of the salience of the nociceptive stimulus;

• the regulation of emotional arousal, through respiratory synchronization and activation of parasympathetic responses that counteract the state of alertness.

LEMO is used in hospital and outpatient settings, particularly in contexts where procedural anxiety or emotional hyperactivation may compromise patient cooperation — such as blood draws, dressings, infusions, local anesthesia, or diagnostic procedures.

Its interface is intuitive and autonomous, designed to be used even by non-technical personnel: the experience starts with just a few touches and does not require connection, cables, or external PCs.

In addition to benefiting the patient, LEMO helps to reduce the emotional and operational burden on healthcare staff, improving the efficiency of procedures and the perceived quality of the care relationship.

Its regular use promotes a more empathetic and person-centered care culture, returning technology to the role of mediator between care and humanity.

Lemo has benefited from the collaboration of high-profile professionals, including Gianni Amunni, oncologist and former General Director of ISPRO, and Cristina Maria Petrella, oncologist at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and oncologist at Careggi. The collaboration of Emma Di Gangi, doctor in Psychological Sciences and Techniques at the University of Florence, has provided essential contributions in analyzing the psychological aspects related to the use of virtual reality.

A distinctive element of the project has been the involvement of ACTO Toscana – Association Against Ovarian Cancer, represented by council member Ilaria Alessi, who contributed to creating a video collecting valuable testimonials from former patients. These personal stories highlight how Lemovie can transform the difficult moments of treatment into more serene and bearable experiences.

This multidisciplinary synergy has allowed Lemovie to achieve significant recognition, including the Smart Hospital Mention at the Health Forum, the Social Innovation Mention at StartCup Toscana, and the Human Capital Mention at the Sicily Innovation Award. It was officially presented at the Cracking Cancer Forum and won the First Prize of CNA Florence at the Cambiamenti Award.