Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Virtual Reality Relaxation Programs for Pain Management in Patients With Cancer
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study aims to develop objective tools for assessing perceived pain severity in cancer patients and survivors, evaluate the sustained effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions such as virtual reality in reducing pain and medication use, and create tools for the early detection of neuropathy. Wireless, non-invasive neuroimaging methods, including functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), will be used to support these objectives
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: GROUPS A, B and C: * Cancer pts as well as healthy volunteers) must be over the age of 18 * Participants in Groups A or C (cancer pts as well as healthy volunteers) need to be able to be in a sedentary posture for approximately 20 minutes * Participants in Group B and C: Patient can be in any stage of cancer treatment, such as diagnosis, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation), recovery, remission and is experiencing acute pain from treatment or cancer itself. Cancers include but are not limited to: breast, thoracic, lung, kidney, colon, pancreatic, etc. * Participants in Group B and C must be free from other forms of chronic pain, e.g., rheumatologic pain, must be free from neurologic illnesses, e.g., stroke, and must have no brain metastases which could interfere with brain functions * Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informe