Using virtual reality and brain imaging to manage pain in cancer patients
Real-Time Evaluation of Severity of Perceived Pain in Patients With Cancer by Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), and Investigation of Pain Relief Utilizing Virtual Reality Technologies
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help manage pain in cancer patients while also looking at how their brain activity changes during this process.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06456411 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate pain severity and location in cancer patients using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and virtual reality relaxation programs. The primary objectives include developing an algorithm for objective pain assessment and exploring the relationship between fNIRS features and pain severity. Additionally, the study investigates how virtual reality techniques may alleviate perceived pain and monitors brain activity changes associated with pain relief. Participants include both cancer patients and healthy volunteers, with various groups undergoing different combinations of fNIRS and virtual reality interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with any stage of cancer treatment who are experiencing acute pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements or have medical conditions that predispose them to nausea or dizziness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide innovative pain management strategies for cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality for pain management is gaining traction, this specific combination of fNIRS and virtual reality techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Study participants (cancer patients as well as healthy volunteers) must be over the age of 18 * Study participants (cancer patients as well as healthy volunteers) need to be able to be in a sedentary posture for approximately 20 minutes * For cancer participants: in any stage of cancer treatment, such as diagnosis, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation), recovery, remission and is experiencing acute pain from treatment. Cancers include but are not limited to: breast, thoracic, kidney, etc. * Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements * Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period * Medical condition predisposing to nausea or dizziness. * Hypersensitivity to flashing light or motion. * No stereoscopic vision or severe hearing impairment. * Unwillingness or inability to follow protocol requirements. * Individuals with impaired decision-making capacity. * Individuals with electronic or metallic implants in the head. * Unable to remove any items from their scalp that might block direct contact between the fNIRS optodes and the skin. This includes, but is not limited to, wigs and hijabs
Where this trial is running
Buffalo, New York
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute — Buffalo, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Somayeh B Shafiei — Roswell Park Cancer Institute
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.