CompletedNot Applicable

Cordotomy for Refractory Cancer Pain

United States18 participantsStarted 2015-03-10

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if a cordotomy reduces pain in patients with unmanageable cancer pain. A cordotomy is a procedure, guided by computed tomography (CT) scans, that is performed on the spinal cord and is designed to reduce pain transmission.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Patients with one-sided, somatic pain due to tumor involvement below the shoulder level (C5 dermatome).
. Patients with refractory cancer pain who are seen by the Supportive Care or Pain Medicine teams, and who either (1) are on appropriate opioid therapy at the time of consultation, or (2) who undergo an initial consultation and at least 2 clinical follow-up evaluations by these services.
. Patients with a life expectancy greater than 1 month.
. Patients must be 18 years old or older.
. Patients must be able to read, speak and understand English or Spanish.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Pain Intensity using a 0-10 numeric rating scale

Timeframe: Day 1 and Day 8

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02345629

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-02-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Advanced Cancers trials