Understanding opioid misuse in cancer patients

Prevalence of Opioid Misuse in Patients with Cancer

Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06489769

This study looks at how many cancer patients in palliative care might misuse opioids and how this affects their quality of life and other health factors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark (other)
Locations1 site (Copenhagen, København Ø.)
Trial IDNCT06489769 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the prevalence of opioid misuse among cancer patients receiving palliative care in Denmark. It will utilize the Pain Medication Questionnaire (PMQ) and the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) to assess misuse risk and correlate these scores with factors such as opioid consumption, substance use, and mental health. The study will also explore the relationship between opioid misuse risk and health-related quality of life. By focusing on a population that is often overlooked in terms of opioid misuse, this research seeks to fill a critical gap in the understanding of pain management in cancer care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are outpatients aged 18 and older who are being treated with opioids for cancer-related pain.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak Danish, have severe cognitive dysfunction, or are not currently treated with opioids will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies and reduced opioid misuse in cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored opioid misuse in cancer patients, this study's specific focus on a Danish population and its methodology is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Outpatients ≥ 18 years,
* patients who are treated with opioids due to cancer-related pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who do not master the Danish language in speech and writing,
* Patients who have severe cognitive dysfunction,
* Patients who are not treated with opioids,
* Patients who refused to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen, København Ø.

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 Use, Opioid Misuse, Pain, Cancer Pain

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.