Cordotomy for Refractory Cancer Pain

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Jan 23, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Baseline Tests:

If you agree to take part in this study, you will have the following tests and procedures:

* You will have a physical exam.
* You will complete 2 questionnaires that ask about any symptoms and pain you may be having. It should take about 10 minutes to complete the questionnaires.
* You will have sensory testing. These are tests to measure your level of pain and feelings of hot and cold in the foot, palm of the hand, and the area where your pain is the worst.

Study Groups:

You will be assigned to 1 of 2 groups. You will have an equal chance of being in either group.

* If...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with one-sided, somatic pain due to tumor involvement below the shoulder level (C5 dermatome).
• • 2. 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.
• • 3. Patients with a life expectancy greater than 1 month.
• • 4. Patients must be 18 years old or older.
• • 5. Patients must be able to read, speak and understand English or Spanish.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1) Patients with significant pulmonary dysfunction, large intracranial metastases, or significant thrombocytopenia (platelet count refractory to transfusion).