Functional brain connectivity correlates of pain relief during virtual reality exposure in cancer patients - Takeaways - MDSpire

Functional brain connectivity correlates of pain relief during virtual reality exposure in cancer patients

  • By

  • Somayeh B. Shafiei

  • Saeed Shadpour

  • Oscar de Leon-Casasola

  • July 15, 2026

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  • 1

    Virtual reality (VR) shows potential for pain relief in cancer patients, but its neurophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood.

  • 2

    The study involved 41 cancer patients using VR to assess pain intensity changes before and after exposure.

  • 3

    Significant negative correlations were found between functional connectivity in specific brain regions and pain reduction during VR.

  • 4

    Key associations were identified between the prefrontal cortex and superior frontal gyrus, indicating their role in pain modulation.

  • 5

    Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to monitor brain activity, revealing insights into pain perception and modulation.

Original Source(s)

Functional brain connectivity correlates of pain relief during virtual reality exposure in cancer patients

  • by Somayeh B. Shafiei, Saeed Shadpour, Oscar de Leon-Casasola

  • July 15, 2026

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