Ultra-Early Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for TN

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · Apr 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment option for people suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a condition that causes intense facial pain. The study is specifically looking at whether using a technique called Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GK-SRS) soon after pain starts can provide better relief compared to waiting longer for treatment. Researchers want to find out if early treatment can help patients avoid high doses of medication and if it has fewer risks than other common treatments.

To participate, individuals should be at least 18 years old, have been diagnosed with TN within the last two years, and should not have tried multiple medications without success. Participants will undergo some preliminary health checks, including an MRI, and those assigned to the GK-SRS group will receive the treatment along with careful monitoring. Everyone in the trial will fill out questionnaires about their health, pain levels, and mood, which will help the researchers understand the impact of the treatment. This trial is not recruiting participants yet, but it aims to provide valuable insights into managing TN more effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age ≥18 years
• • Clinical diagnosis of classical or idiopathic TN, based on clinical history and MRI scan
• • Onset of pain within 2 years prior to enrolment
• • Not deemed medically refractory (defined as uncontrolled pain despite ≥2 medication trials, not requiring escalating dose)
• • If currently on medication, on stable dose x at least 3 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Secondary TN
• • Bilateral TN
• • Any contraindications to undergoing GK-SRS
• • Any prior cranial radiation
• • Any prior surgical intervention for TN
• • History of psychiatric diagnoses within 2 years of study participation, or uncontrolled, concurrent psychiatric illness (e.g., depression with recent suicide attempts)
• • Females who are pregnant or breast-feeding