Brain, Affect and Behavior Laboratory
Francesco Versace, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Areas of Research
- Cancer Neuroscience
- Nicotine
- Tobacco Cessation
- Psychology
The Brain, Affect and Behavior Laboratory aims to understand the psychophysiological mechanisms behind behaviors that increase the risk for cancer, especially in the context of smoking and obesity. Using brain imaging techniques like high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we investigate neurocognitive and neuroaffective vulnerabilities to addictive behaviors and excessive eating. We are also assessing the efficacy of non-invasive neuromodulation as a treatment for disorders relating to poor impulse control, with the eventual goal of developing personalized image-guided treatments for these conditions.
Repurposing Semaglutide for the Treatment of Cocaine Use Disorder: a Pilot Mechanistic Study (5R01DA062720-02)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (MPIs: Yammine, Schmitz, Versace)
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health - National Insitute on Drug Abuse (NIH-NIDA)
Bayesian neurobehavioral phenotyping: from mechanism identification to personalized neuromodulation treatments (1R61DA058276; 2024–2026)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (MPIs: Versace, Kypriotakis)
Funding Source: NIH-NIDA
Personalized Neurostimulation for Smoking Cessation in Cancer Patients: An Image-Guided Approach (2024–2026)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator (MPIs: Versace, Kypriotakis, Taylor)
Funding Source: UT MD Anderson
Evaluating the Feasibility of Accelerated Theta burst Stimulation as an Adjunct Therapy for Obesity: A Phase I Trial (2024–2026)
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Source: Houston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (H-NORC)
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Exenatide as an Adjunct to Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation and Prevention of Post-Cessation Weight Gain (R01 DA053241; 2022–2025)
Role: Co-Investigator (PI: Yammine)
Funding Source: NIH-NIDA
Incentive salience and the neuropsychological underpinnings of cue-induced smoking relapse (2R01 DA032581; 2012–2026)
Role: Principal Investigator
Funding Source: NIH-NIDA
Contact Us
Principal Investigator
Francesco Versace, Ph.D.
Email: FVersace@MDAnderson.org
Phone: 713-794-3777
Address
Behavioral Research and Treatment Center
Dan L Duncan Building, second floor
1155 Pressler St
Unit 1330
Houston, TX 77030