Transdiscal versus paravertebral splanchnic nerve neurolysis for upper abdominal cancer pain
Official title: Comparison of Transdiscal and Paravertebral Approaches for Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block in the Treatment of Upper Abdominal Cancer Pain
Run by Ankara Etlik City Hospital · NCT07445386 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether the transdiscal or the paravertebral splanchnic nerve neurolysis gives better pain relief for people with severe upper abdominal cancer pain that hasn't responded to medicines.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 16, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 16, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07445386 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with severe (NRS > 6) upper intra-abdominal cancer pain (e.g., pancreatic, gastric, hepatic) that is not controlled with medications and who have no contraindications to neurolytic block are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with coagulopathy, active infection at the procedural site, pregnancy, unstable psychiatric disorders, significant local anatomic variation, or pain not primarily visceral may be excluded or may not benefit from these procedures.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional comparison uses fluoroscopy-guided chemical neurolysis to target the splanchnic nerves by either a paravertebral (PV) or a transdiscal (TD) approach in patients with severe upper abdominal cancer pain. Pain intensity will be measured with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and quality of life tracked using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire before and after the procedures. Eligible patients have NRS > 6 from pancreatic, gastric, or hepatic malignancies and have failed conservative medical treatments; key exclusions include local anatomical variations, infection at the procedural site, coagulopathy, pregnancy, and unstable psychiatric disorders. Procedures and follow-up are conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital under fluoroscopic guidance with standard safety monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better approach could provide stronger, longer-lasting, opioid-sparing relief of severe upper abdominal cancer pain and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Splanchnic nerve neurolysis is an established method that has reduced upper abdominal cancer pain and improved quality of life in prior reports, but direct head-to-head comparisons of PV versus TD approaches are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Severe abdominal pain (NRS \> 6) due to upper intra-abdominal organ malignancies (such as gastric, pancreatic, or hepatic cancer). * Failure of pain control with conservative treatment modalities. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of local anatomical variations * Localized or systemic infection involving the procedural site * Pregnancy * Coagulopathy * Presence of unstable psychiatric disorders
Where it's running
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Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gokhan Yildiz — Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gokhan Yildiz
- Email: gkoyldz@gmail.com
- Phone: 5059272589
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.