Scrambler therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain
A Pilot Study of Scrambler Therapy for Painful Chronic Pancreatitis
We will test whether Scrambler Therapy can reduce persistent abdominal pain in adults with chronic pancreatitis who haven't found relief from standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT07174609 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-arm pilot will enroll about 40 adults with chronic pancreatitis and refractory abdominal pain. Participants undergo 5–10 daily Scrambler Therapy sessions of 30–40 minutes with electrodes placed near (but not on) painful areas and intensity adjusted to a comfortable tingling sensation. Pain ratings (0–10 VAS) are collected before and after each session, and participants are followed for 3 months with weekly pain ratings and standardized questionnaires including PROMIS and Patient Global Impression of Change. Secondary outcomes include opioid use, proportions achieving 30% and 50% pain reduction, and monitoring for adverse events such as mild skin irritation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18 or older with chronic pancreatitis who continue to have significant abdominal pain despite medical, endoscopic, or surgical treatment, can consent in English, and can attend in-person sessions and phone follow-up.
Not a fit: People with implanted electrical devices, active skin conditions preventing electrode placement, recent major cardiac or neurologic events, pregnancy, or those unable to complete in-person visits or follow-up are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Scrambler Therapy could offer a non-invasive way to lessen abdominal pain and reduce opioid reliance for people with chronic pancreatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Scrambler Therapy has shown benefit in small studies for neuropathic and cancer-related pain, but its use specifically for pancreatic pain is largely untested and remains exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older * Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with refractory abdominal pain * Able to provide written informed consent in English * Sufficient English language ability to complete study questionnaires * Reliable and regular access to a phone for follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Unable or unwilling to provide written consent * History or presence of a significant medical or psychiatric condition that would interfere with study participation * Pregnant or lactating women * Coronary stents or implanted metallic/electrical devices (pacemaker, defibrillator, aneurysm clips) * History of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or myocardial infarction within the past 6 months * Skin conditions preventing electrode placement (e.g., open wounds) * Any condition that, in the investigator's opinion, places the participant at increased risk or prevents full compliance with study procedures
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins Green Spring Station — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mahya Faghih — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mahya Faghih
- Email: mfaghih2@jh.edu
- Phone: 443-287-4680
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.