Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 to 99

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.

More Cutaneous Melanoma trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 19, 2023
Main results expectedOctober 31, 2026
Study endsOctober 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMarch 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06223659 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.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.