Scrambler therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  This study is testing an online program that helps people with pancreatitis manage their pain better and improve their quality of life.

  Recruiting Seattle Children's Hospital · Seattle, Washington · NCT06386224

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  Recruiting Early Phase 1 Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT06205342

• Cell therapy using stem cells to relieve pain from chronic pancreatitis

  This study is testing if using stem cells from veterans' bone marrow can help relieve pain from chronic pancreatitis and improve how their pancreas works.

  Recruiting Phase 1 VA Office of Research and Development · Charleston, South Carolina · NCT05925036

• Using sensory testing to predict pain treatment response in chronic pancreatitis

  This study is testing if a special sensory test can help predict how well different pain treatments will work for people with chronic pancreatitis.

  Recruiting at 3 sites University of Pittsburgh · Indianapolis, Indiana and 2 other locations · NCT04996628

• Evaluating the progression of pancreatitis from acute to chronic stages

  This study is trying to see how acute pancreatitis can turn into chronic pancreatitis over time by following patients with different stages of the condition and using advanced imaging and tests.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre · Hvidovre, Capital Region Denmark and 2 other locations · NCT03853447

• Using sensory testing to predict treatment response in chronic pancreatitis

  This study is testing if a special pain sensitivity test can help predict how well people with chronic pancreatitis will respond to different treatments.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Pittsburgh · Baltimore, Maryland and 1 other locations · NCT03434392

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.