Coeliac Plexus Neurolysis Versus Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis
Hong Kong100 participantsStarted 2022-12-01
Plain-language summary
Pain is prevalent among patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Standard procedures such as coeliac plexus neurolysis (CPN) is effective in reducing pain, opioid requirement and related side effects for pancreatic cancer cases. Meanwhile, splanchnic nerve neurolysis (SNN) as an alternative to CPN is more effective for cancer pain relief.
Although previous studies investigating the role of CPN/SNN mainly focus on pancreatic cancer cases, their efficacy on non-pancreatic abdominal cancer pain may not be accurately determined.
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:
* Age\>=18
* Diagnosis of unresectable intra-abdominal cancer
* Visceral pain attributable to the cancer with NRS \>= 4
* Able to understand instructions, give consent, complete questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria:
* Primary pancreatic cancer or metastatic disease involving pancreas
* Gross celiac axis distortion identified on imaging
* Acute abdomen condition eg. Intraabdominal sepsis, tumor rupture
* Other non-cancer causes attributable to the pain
* Gross ascites
* Previous coeliac plexus or splanchnic nerve neurolysis
* Contraindications to neurolytic procedures eg. Bleeding tendency; local or systemic infections; allergic to local anesthetics, contrast or alcohol; intestinal obstruction; anatomical distortion along needle trajectory
* Patients believed to be inappropriate for study by investigators
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.