Comparing EXPAREL and lidocaine for pain relief during pleuroscopy procedures

A Randomized Blinded Controlled Trial of EXPAREL vs 1% Lidocane as Local Anesthetic in Patients Undergoing Pleuroscopy With Pleural Biopsy and Indwelling Pleural Catheter Placement

PHASE2 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT05044468

This study is testing whether a new pain relief medication called EXPAREL works better than the standard lidocaine for people having a pleuroscopy procedure.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05044468 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial investigates the effectiveness of EXPAREL, a liposomal formulation of bupivacaine, compared to traditional lidocaine as a local anesthetic for patients undergoing pleuroscopy with pleural biopsy and indwelling pleural catheter placement. The study aims to measure and compare post-procedural chest pain using visual analog and numerical rating scales at various time points. Patients are randomized into two groups, receiving either EXPAREL or lidocaine, to assess pain relief and narcotic usage following the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 referred for pleuroscopy with biopsies and indwelling pleural catheter placement.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to EXPAREL or lidocaine, or those with conditions that make the procedure unsafe, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide improved pain management options for patients undergoing pleuroscopy, enhancing their comfort and recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with liposomal bupivacaine in various surgical settings, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Referral to pulmonary services for pleuroscopy with biopsies and IPC placement/chest tube placement
2. Age \> 18

Exclusion criteria:

1. Inability to provide informed consent
2. Study subject has any disease or condition that interferes with safe completion of the study including:

   a. Allergic reaction to EXPAREL
3. Need for pleurodesis
4. Allergies to lidocaine or other local anesthetics.
5. Pregnancy
6. Advanced liver disease where the clinician deems the procedure unsafe

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Malignant Pleural Neoplasm

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.