Comparing two types of pulsed radiofrequency treatments for pain in oropharyngeal cancer

Standard Pulsed Radiofrequency Versus Supervoltage Pulsed Radiofrequency Glossopharyngeal Nerve Therapy in Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional National Cancer Institute, Egypt · NCT06121102

This study is testing whether a new type of pulsed radiofrequency treatment can help relieve pain better than the standard treatment for people with oropharyngeal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Cancer Institute, Egypt Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06121102 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of supervoltage pulsed radiofrequency therapy compared to standard pulsed radiofrequency therapy for managing pain associated with oropharyngeal cancer. It focuses on patients experiencing significant pain despite medical treatment, using a visual analog scale to measure pain reduction. The study aims to provide insights into which treatment may offer better pain relief for patients suffering from glossopharyngeal neuralgia related to oropharyngeal cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with oropharyngeal cancer pain who have not found relief from standard medical treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular issues, psychiatric disorders, or those who cannot undergo the procedure due to anatomical complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective pain management option for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific comparison of these two pulsed radiofrequency techniques, similar approaches in pain management have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 70 Years.
* Both sexes
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II and III.
* Patients under pain management for oropharyngeal cancer (failed medical treatment or intolerance to the side effects of the drug).
* Visual analog scale (VAS) equal to or more than 6 cm in spite medical treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Patients with local or systemic sepsis.
* Uncorrectable coagulopathy.
* Unstable cardiovascular disease.
* History of psychiatric and cognitive disorders.
* Patients allergic to medication used.7
* Unable to lie supine.
* Local anatomical distortion (either congenital, post-surgical or post-radiotherapy) making intervention difficult and hazardous.
* Elongated styloid process \> 25 mm.
* Age less than 18 year and more than 70 year.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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.
Conditions Pulsed RadiofrequencySuper Voltage Pulsed RadiofrequencyGlossopharyngeal NerveOropharyngeal CancerPain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.