Optimizing fentanyl dosing for cancer pain management

Optimizing Subcutaneous FEntanyl titRation: RApid Achievement of Adequate Exposure When Treating Cancer-Related paIn.

Phase 4 Interventional Erasmus Medical Center · NCT06498037

This study is testing if giving extra doses of fentanyl faster can help people with cancer pain feel better without waiting as long for the medication to work.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, South Holland)
Trial IDNCT06498037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of loading boluses in increasing the dose of subcutaneous fentanyl for patients suffering from cancer-related pain. The primary goal is to determine if plasma concentrations of fentanyl after 12 hours of dose augmentation are non-inferior to those measured after 48 hours. Patients will receive additional loading doses, and plasma pharmacokinetic samples will be collected to assess the outcomes. This approach aims to enhance pain management by achieving adequate fentanyl exposure more rapidly.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are currently receiving or planning to receive subcutaneous fentanyl for cancer-related pain.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using alternative forms of fentanyl delivery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for cancer patients, allowing for quicker relief from pain.

How similar studies have performed: There is limited information on similar studies, making this approach relatively novel in the context of optimizing fentanyl dosing for cancer pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years;
* Able to understand the written information and able to give informed consent.
* Current or planned treatment with SC fentanyl for cancer-related pain

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or/ and breastfeeding
* Other ways of using fentanyl (sublingual, nasal spray and oromucosal)
* Liver function CPS B or C
* The use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors of inducers \[9\]
* Presence of somnolence, respiratory depression or CTCAE grade 2 adverse events.

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, South Holland

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 Cancer Pain
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.