Naldemedine for opioid-induced constipation in people with cancer

Naldemedine in Clinical Practice in Cancer Patients With Opioid Induced Constipation: Clinical Outcomes and Patient Experience

Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · NCT07231796

This study will try naldemedine, a gut-acting opioid blocker, to relieve opioid-induced constipation in adults with cancer who still have constipation despite laxatives.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAcademisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (other)
Locations1 site (Amsterdam)
Trial IDNCT07231796 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study will collect real-world medical outcomes and patient-reported experiences from adults with cancer who take daily opioids and have opioid-induced constipation despite laxatives. Participants treated with naldemedine at Amsterdam UMC will be followed using medical records and Dutch-language questionnaires to measure bowel function (including the Bowel Function Index) and tolerability. The study excludes patients who used other opioid antagonists within the last month or who have suspected gastrointestinal perforation, and it does not randomize or assign treatments. The aim is to describe how naldemedine performs in everyday clinical practice and how patients feel while using it.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with a cancer diagnosis who take daily opioids, still have constipation despite laxatives (BFI ≥30), can read Dutch, and can give written informed consent are the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with suspected gastrointestinal perforation, those who used another opioid antagonist in the past month, or whose constipation is not caused by opioids may not benefit from this treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, naldemedine could relieve opioid-induced constipation without reducing pain control, improving bowel comfort and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Randomized trials and regulatory approvals have shown naldemedine can relieve opioid-induced constipation, though real-world data specifically in cancer populations are still limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (≥18 years)
* A diagnosis of malignancy
* Daily use of opioids
* Use of laxatives
* Experiencing constipation, defined as a Bowel Function Index (BFI) score ≥30
* Able to complete a Dutch-language questionnaire
* Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of other opioid antagonists in the last month
* Suspected (risk of) gastrointestinal perforation
* Participation in another study that may confound the results of this trial

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer, Opioid Induced Constipation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.