Gabapentin for perioperative pain control in mastectomy

Gabapentin And Breast Surgery Decision Architecture Randomization Trial (GABS-DART) Protocol

Phase 4 Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT07308717

This trial will test whether a pre-operative dose of gabapentin reduces pain and opioid use for adults 18–65 having ambulatory mastectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1896 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07308717 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 4 interventional trial randomizes a modification to the pre-operative order set to include gabapentin as part of peri-operative analgesia for patients undergoing ambulatory extended recovery (AXR) mastectomy at MSK. Eligible adults (18–65) having unilateral or bilateral mastectomy at the Josie Robertson Surgical Center will be exposed to the modified order set as part of routine clinical workflow. Key outcomes include postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, and gabapentin-related adverse events captured through perioperative care. The aim is to see whether making gabapentin a default in the order set improves pain control and reduces opioid use compared with usual ordering.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 scheduled for ambulatory extended recovery (AXR) unilateral or bilateral mastectomy at the Josie Robertson Surgical Center within the MSK system.

Not a fit: Patients older than 65, those not undergoing AXR mastectomy, those with contraindications to gabapentin (for example severe kidney disease or allergy), or those treated entirely outside the MSK system are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have better post-mastectomy pain control and lower opioid needs, potentially making gabapentin a routine part of peri-operative care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous perioperative studies of gabapentin have shown mixed results for reducing postoperative pain and opioid use, while using order-set default changes as the intervention is a relatively novel implementation approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 65 years
* Undergoing ambulatory extended recover (AXR) mastectomy (bilateral or unilateral) at the Josie Robertson Surgical Center (JSRC)

Exclusion Criteria:

* None

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

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 Breast CancerBreast cancerunilateral mastectomybilateral mastectomy25-183Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
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.