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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Examining pain sensitivity in cancer therapy patients

Official title: Psychophysical Studies of Cancer Therapy-Induced Pain: A Feasibility Study

Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT00515060 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how cancer treatment affects pain sensitivity in patients by comparing their responses to different sensations with those of healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment450 (estimated)
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 23, 2001
Main results expectedApril 30, 2028
Study endsApril 30, 2028
Registry record updatedJune 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT00515060 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who have developed pain from specific cancer therapies or are about to start chemotherapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to participate due to refusal, incapacity, or those receiving anticoagulants, immunosuppressed, or diabetic 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 aims to assess the psychophysical properties of neuropathic pain resulting from cancer therapy using quantitative sensory testing. Participants will undergo a series of sensory tests to evaluate their pain thresholds and responses to various stimuli. The study will include both patients experiencing therapy-induced pain and healthy controls, with the goal of understanding nerve function impairment related to chemotherapy. Skin biopsies may also be performed to investigate nerve damage in affected areas.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of pain in cancer patients undergoing therapy.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies utilizing sensory testing for pain assessment have shown promise, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially beneficial.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Since moderate pain, albeit brief, will be induced, this feasibility project will be limited to consenting adults, 18 years old or older, in which there is also a well established QST database.
2. The subjects must be able to understand the nature of the study and have signed consent.
3. The patients must either: a) have pain that has developed as a consequence of cancer therapy with either vinca alkaloids, taxanes, bortezomib, thalidomide, platinum-based compounds or ionizing irradiation. OR b) have no pain that has developed as a consequence of cancer therapy, and are just entering chemotherapy with taxanes, vinka alkaloids, bortezomib, thalidomide, or platinum-based compounds
4. (For Healthy Controls) Willing to participate and have signed an informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who refuse to participate or who are determined incapable of completing the research.
2. (For Healthy Controls) Receiving anti-coagulants, immunosuppressed or diabetic.

Where it's running

  • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, Texas, United States     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.
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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.