Upfront EUS CGN/CPN vs Conventional Step up Approach for Inoperable Painful Pancreatic Cancer

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Nov 29, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different approaches to help manage severe pain in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. One approach involves using a special technique called EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) and celiac ganglion neurolysis (CGN) early on to control pain, while the other approach follows a more traditional method of gradually increasing treatment. The goal is to determine which method works best for reducing pain and improving patients' quality of life.

To participate in the trial, you must be at least 18 years old, have been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, and experience persistent pain related to your tumor. You should also be physically able to undergo an examination or biopsy of the tumor. Participants will receive either of the two pain management approaches, and the trial aims to track how well each method works. It's important to know that certain conditions, like allergies to specific medications or a very short expected lifespan, may prevent you from joining the study. Overall, this trial hopes to find better ways to help patients who are struggling with pain from pancreatic cancer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age \>= 18 years old
• • 2. Diagnosed to have inoperable pancreatic cancer
• • 3. Presence of tumor pain (centrally located, constant, with no other obvious cause) with a VAS \>= 3
• • 4. Karnofsky performance status \>= 60
• • 5. Planned for EUS examination and/or biopsy of the pancreatic tumor
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Allergy to bupivacaine, or alcohol
• • 2. Potentially operable after neoadjuvant therapy
• • 3. Expected survival of less than 3 months
• • 4. Patient who is already on opioids for pain control
• • 5. Previous percutaneous or EUS-guided CGN/ CPN
• • 6. Recurrent pancreatic tumors after operation
• • 7. Uncorrectable coagulopathy
• • 8. Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent