Understanding pain in oral cancer patients
Dissecting the Heterogeneity of Oral Cancer Pain
This study is trying to understand the specific pain that people with oral cancer feel to find better ways to treat it without using strong painkillers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NYU College of Dentistry Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05024383 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the unique characteristics and mechanisms of pain experienced by patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). By comparing the nociceptive responses of these patients to healthy individuals, the research seeks to identify the neurobiological factors contributing to oral cancer pain. The study will focus on the roles of chemical and mechanical sensitivities in pain perception, which could lead to more effective non-opioid treatment options. The findings may help address the current inadequacies in managing severe pain associated with oral cancer.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with biopsy-proven oral squamous cell carcinoma requiring surgical resection.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior treatment for head and neck cancer or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients suffering from oral cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into cancer pain mechanisms, this specific approach to dissecting oral cancer pain is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (oral cancer patients): * Biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity that requires surgical resection * Lesion is at least 1 cm in greatest surface dimension Exclusion Criteria (oral cancer patients): * History of prior surgical, chemotherapeutic, or radiation treatment for head and neck cancer * Pregnancy or lactation Inclusion Criteria (healthy subjects): * In good general health as evidenced by medical history Exclusion Criteria (healthy subjects): * Clinically and/or histologically proven oral pre-cancer, oral cancer * Pregnancy or lactation
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- New York University College of Dentistry — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian Schmidt, MD, DDS, PhD
- Email: bls322@nyu.edu
- Phone: 212-995-4843
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.