Using EMLA cream to reduce pain during lymphoscintigraphy for skin cancer
Official title: Investigating the Use of EMLA Topical Cream for Patients Receiving Intra-Dermal Technetium 99 Injections for Lymphoscintigraphy for Cutaneous Cancers
Run by Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT06223659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if EMLA cream can help reduce pain for patients getting injections during a lymphoscintigraphy procedure for skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 19, 2023 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06223659 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 99 with confirmed diagnoses of cutaneous melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, or skin squamous cell carcinoma requiring lymphoscintigraphy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known allergies to EMLA cream or local anesthetics, chronic pain conditions, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of EMLA topical cream in alleviating pain for patients undergoing Technetium 99 injections as part of a lymphoscintigraphy procedure for skin cancers. Participants are randomized into two groups: one receiving EMLA cream and the other receiving a placebo, both applied 30 minutes prior to the procedure. The study aims to determine if EMLA can significantly reduce the pain associated with the injections, which are necessary for identifying lymph nodes affected by cancer. This is the first investigation of EMLA cream's efficacy in this specific context, building on previous findings in breast cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more comfortable experience for patients undergoing lymphoscintigraphy for skin cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown EMLA cream to be effective in reducing pain in other contexts, but this specific application for lymphoscintigraphy is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Biologic males or females * 18 - 99 years of age * Histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or other cutaneous malignancy for which lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node biopsy has been recommended. Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy or intolerance to EMLA cream, lidocaine, prilocaine, or any other local anesthetic * History of adhesive allergy * Contraindication to Tc99 injection for sentinel lymph node mapping * Incarcerated patients * Patients incapable of independently providing consent * Mucosal or genital lymphoscintigraphy site * Pregnancy * Participant self-declared or Ohio State University (OSU) medical chart listing chronic pain as a pre-existing diagnosis * Participants with chronic pain as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):"pain lasting 3 months or more that can be caused by a disease or condition, injury, medical treatment, or unknown reason" excluding those with stable co-morbid conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and cancer-related pain who do not require narcotics. Patients who require narcotics at any time within the 7-day period leading up to the procedure
Where it's running
-
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carlo M Contreras, MD — Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Email: OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu
- Phone: 800-293-5066
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Early anti-PD1 therapy before surgery in high-risk stage II melanoma
This study looks at real-world patients with high-risk stage II melanoma to see if starting anti-PD1 therapy before surgery changes outcomes compared with the usual timing.
-
Guiding melanoma surgery in children using pathology and genetics
This pediatric phase 2 trial tests whether using tumor pathology and genetic information to classify risk can guide safer, more appropriate surgery for localized skin melanocytic tumors.
-
First-in-human test of KUP-101A in selected advanced skin cancers
This early study tests KUP-101A to see if it's safe and tolerable and to gather initial clues about its activity in patients with advanced skin cancers.
-
Phase 1 of PF-08046033 for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, esophageal squamous cell cancer, and cutaneous melanoma
This Phase 1 study will try the experimental antibody-drug conjugate PF-08046033 in adults whose non-small-cell lung cancer, esophageal squamous cell cancer, or cutaneous melanoma has progressed after standard treatments.
-
Lifileucel (TIL) plus chemotherapy and IL-2 for advanced cutaneous squamous cell and Merkel cell carcinoma
This trial will try lifileucel (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) combined with lymphodepleting chemotherapy and interleukin-2 in adults with unresectable or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or Merkel cell carcinoma who have previously received immunotherapy.
-
In-home cancer treatment with remote specialist support for patients in the Florida Panhandle
This program will try giving standard cancer treatments at home to people living in the Florida Panhandle and nearby areas to see if they prefer it and have better treatment satisfaction.
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.