Using buprenorphine for managing cancer pain

Effective Use of Buprenorphine for Long-Acting Pain Relief in Combination With Short-Acting Full Agonist Opioids for Cancer Related Pain

Phase 4 Interventional Fox Chase Cancer Center · NCT05910190

This study tests if using buprenorphine with regular opioids can help people with cancer pain manage their symptoms better while tracking their progress through a mobile app.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFox Chase Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05910190 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective study evaluates patients experiencing cancer-related pain who are treated with buprenorphine alongside full agonist opioids. Participants will use a mobile application (CPM Rx) to track their pain levels and medication usage while clinicians assess withdrawal symptoms and pain through validated tools. The study aims to determine the presence of withdrawal symptoms, the highest tolerated doses of buprenorphine and full agonist opioids, and the effectiveness of the CPM Rx app over a three-month follow-up period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with cancer-related pain who are currently on buprenorphine and full agonist opioids exceeding 30 mg OME per day.

Not a fit: Patients not currently using buprenorphine or full agonist opioids, or those with pain levels below 4 on a visual analog scale, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve pain management strategies for cancer patients using buprenorphine.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of buprenorphine for pain management, but this specific combination and methodology is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
1. Age greater than or equal to 18 years
2. English speaking and able to understand and sign informed consent and HIPAA consent document.
3. The patient will have pain from any cause with a pain level greater than or equal to 4 on a visual analog scale.
4. The patient will be able to complete study assessments including use of the CPM app (requires Smart Phone)
5. Patients who may become pregnant are using adequate contraceptives.
6. Patient is on the combination of buprenorphine and full agonist opioid \> 30 mg oral morphine equivalent or being started on both buprenorphine and full agonist opioid \>30 mg oral morphine equivalent at the time of enrollment

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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.
Conditions Cancer-Related PainCancer Painbuprenorphine
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.