Dexmedetomidine as add-on for refractory cancer pain in palliative care
Official title: Dexmedetomidine for Refractory Pain in Palliative Cancer Patients
Run by St. Olavs Hospital · NCT07885475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding dexmedetomidine helps improve pain control for adults with cancer in palliative care whose pain remains high despite opioids.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St. Olavs Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Drammen and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07885475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with cancer in palliative care experiencing uncontrolled pain (NRS > 4) despite parenteral opioids and eligible to start dexmedetomidine in a hospital setting.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to dexmedetomidine or those who do not respond to the add-on therapy may not experience pain relief.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective observational study enrolling 30 adult cancer patients in palliative care who have uncontrolled pain despite opioid treatment. All participants will receive dexmedetomidine as an add-on therapy, and safety and efficacy outcomes will be monitored. The study aims to build evidence on the safety of off-label use of dexmedetomidine for refractory cancer pain. It follows patients during dexmedetomidine treatment to observe changes in pain scores and any adverse events. This approach reflects real-world clinical use across multiple Norwegian hospitals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If dexmedetomidine proves safe and helpful, patients with refractory cancer pain may achieve better pain control with fewer opioid requirements.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small or retrospective studies suggested potential analgesic-sparing and safety signals, but robust prospective data are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult cancer patients (\>18 years), not receiving curative treatment * Treated with parenteral opioids for cancer-related pain * Indication to start dexmedetomidine treatment due to uncontrolled background pain (NRS \> 4 in a numeric rating scale (NRS 0-10)) despite hospitalization and standard pain management. Exclusion Criteria: * Dexmedetomidine hypersensitivity * Hypotension (systolic blood pressure (BP) \< 90) * Bradycardia (heart rate (HR) \< 50) * Serious heart disease or AV block grade 2 or 3 if no pacemaker. * Severe liver failure (e.g. Child-Pugh-C or similar) * Acute cerebrovascular disease * Neuraxial pain management * Patients unable to comply with trial procedures
Where it's running
-
St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim Univsersity Hospital
Trondheim, Norway Recruiting -
Drammen Hospital
Drammen, Norway Not yet recruiting -
Oslo University Hospital
Oslo, Norway Not yet recruiting -
Univsersity Hospital of North Norway
Tromsø, Norway Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ragnhild H Habberstad, M.D p.HD
- Email: ragnhild.hansdatter.habberstad@stolav.no
- Phone: +47 72825840
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.