Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two methods for managing pain in inoperable pancreatic cancer

Official title: Upfront Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Celiac Ganglion Neurolysis Versus Conventional Step-up Approach for Patients With Painful, Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer

Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT06160323 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing two different pain management methods for people with inoperable pancreatic cancer to see which one helps them feel better and improves their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment94 (estimated)
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 10, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2027
Study endsJuly 31, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT06160323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer who experience significant tumor pain.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are already on opioids for pain control or have a life expectancy of less than three months may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of upfront endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac ganglion neurolysis (CGN) and celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) compared to a conventional step-up approach for managing pain in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. Patients experiencing significant tumor-related pain will be enrolled and assessed for pain relief and quality of life. The study aims to determine the optimal timing for these interventions to maximize pain control and minimize reliance on opioids. By focusing on patients with a Karnofsky performance status of 60 or higher, the study seeks to identify those who can benefit most from these pain management techniques.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain management and quality of life for patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that EUS-guided neurolysis techniques can effectively manage pain in similar patient populations, indicating a promising approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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

Where it's running

  • Prince of Wales Hospital
    Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.