Clinical Research Directory

Enhancing Pain Management Among Patients Diagnosed With Stage III and Stage IV of Breast Cancer: The Power of Immersive and Non-Immersive Virtual Reality-Driven Interactive Guided Imagery

Cancer-related pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer, particularly among women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Pain associated with cancer may arise from tumor progression, metastasis, or cancer treatments, and it often has a substantial negative impact on patients' physical functioning, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Although pharmacological pain management strategies remain the primary approach for managing cancer-related pain, many patients continue to report inadequate pain relief or experience undesirable side effects from medications. For this reason, healthcare providers and researchers are increasingly exploring complementary and non-pharmacological interventions that can be used alongside standard pain management strategies. Current clinical practice for cancer pain management commonly follows the analgesic ladder recommended by the World Health Organization, which involves a stepwise approach using non-opioid analgesics, weak opioids, and strong opioids depending on the severity of the patient's pain. While this approach has significantly improved pain control in many patients, it does not completely eliminate pain in all cases, and additional supportive interventions are often required. In recent years, digital health technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have emerged as promising tools that may support pain management through distraction, relaxation, and cognitive engagement. Virtual reality is an interactive computer-generated environment that can simulate real or imaginary settings and allow users to experience immersive or semi-immersive sensory stimulation. VR-based interventions have gained increasing attention in healthcare due to their potential to reduce pain perception by diverting attention away from painful stimuli and promoting psychological relaxation. In particular, VR-assisted guided imagery interventions have been proposed as a therapeutic approach that combines visual and auditory stimuli with relaxation techniques to enhance patients' cognitive engagement and emotional comfort. VR technology can be delivered through different levels of immersion. Immersive VR typically uses a head-mounted display to create a fully interactive three-dimensional environment that surrounds the user and blocks out external stimuli, providing a highly engaging experience. In contrast, non-immersive VR systems present virtual environments through computer screens or similar devices, allowing users to remain aware of their physical surroundings while interacting with digital content. Although both approaches may contribute to pain reduction through distraction and relaxation mechanisms, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of immersive versus non-immersive VR interventions in the management of cancer-related pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive and non-immersive virtual reality-assisted guided imagery interventions in reducing cancer-related pain among patients with advanced breast cancer in Jordan. The study aims to determine whether these interventions can provide additional benefits when used alongside standard cancer pain management practices. This study will employ a quantitative quasi-experimental pre-post design with three study groups: an immersive virtual reality intervention group, a non-immersive virtual reality-assisted guided imagery group, and a control group receiving standard cancer pain management care. Participants in both intervention groups will engage in a 45-minute virtual reality session consisting of guided imagery experiences designed to promote relaxation and distraction from pain. The immersive VR group will use head-mounted display technology to experience a fully immersive 360-degree virtual environment, while the non-immersive VR group will view similar virtual content using a computer-based display system with audio support. Pain intensity will be measured using the Arabic version of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. In addition, symptoms associated with simulator sickness, such as nausea, dizziness, and visual discomfort, will be assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the VR interventions. The study will be conducted among adult patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer who are receiving care at a cancer pain management clinic in a large public hospital in Jordan. Eligible participants will be adults aged 18 years or older who are experiencing cancer-related pain and are able to participate in the intervention sessions. A total of 90 participants will be recruited and allocated equally across the three study groups. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the role of virtual reality technologies in suppo

Hydromorphone With Electroacupuncture and Ear Acupoint Pressing for Refractory Cancer Pain

This trial aims to address refractory cancer pain (RCP). It will explore the synergistic efficacy and safety of hydromorphone hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (HHST) combined with electroacupuncture (EA) and ear acupoint pressing beans (EAPB) for RCP. Key outcomes will include dynamic changes in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, proportions of patients with effective analgesia (≥30% NRS reduction from baseline) and marked remission (≥50% NRS reduction from baseline), daily HHST dosage, breakthrough pain (BP) frequency, and drug-related adverse events (AEs) graded by CTCAE 5.0.

Unique Treatment of Oncology Pain in Advanced Cancer

This will be a proof-of-concept, single arm study with a maximum of 20 patients to evaluate preliminary analgesic efficacy and safety of Trichomylin® in patients with advanced cancer (male and female) who suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain and who are taking a stable dose of long-acting opioid therapy for at least 1 week prior to screening.

3D1002 in Combination With Oxycodone Hydrochloride Sustained-release Tablets in Patients With Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain

This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3D1002 alone or in combination with oxycodone hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (OxyContin) for the management of moderate or severe cancer pain.

Evaluation of the Effects of Traditional and E-Learning Methods in Cancer Pain Care Education on Learning Outcomes and Institutional Costs

Cancer pain is a significant clinical problem that directly affects patients' quality of life and requires nurses to be equipped with adequate knowledge and skills to provide effective care. The current shift in knowledge and skill acquisition from traditional teaching methods toward e-learning-based approaches has increased the importance of comparing the effects of these educational methods on learning outcomes in cancer pain management education. Within this context, the course content on cancer pain management will be developed using both traditional and e-learning methods based on the ADDIE instructional design model. The effects of these two methods on students' learning outcomes and institutional teaching costs will be evaluated. Thus, this study aims to contribute to identifying effective and cost-efficient teaching strategies in nursing education.

A Study Testing Topical Pain-Relieving Herbal Plasters in People Who Are Using Opioids for Their Pain

The are doing this study to find out whether using topical (on the skin) herbal plasters, Tibetree pain- relieving plasters (PRPs), can be an effective addition to standard opioid therapy for pain management. The researchers will look at whether the Tibetree PRPs are a practical (feasible) and effective way of managing localized pain (pain that is limited to a certain area) in people who are currently taking opioids. Participants in this study will have cancer or have had it in the past.

Transdiscal vs Paravertebral Neurolytic Splanchnic Nerve Block for Upper Abdominal Cancer Pain

This study aims to compare the efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided paravertebral (PV) and transdiscal (TD) approaches for splanchnic nerve neurolysis in patients with upper abdominal cancer-related pain (e.g., gastric, pancreatic, and hepatic malignancies). Treatment response will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the impact of both techniques on quality of life will be evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

Assessing Hydromorphone Sustained-Release Tablets in Elderly Cancer Pain Patients With Renal Insufficiency

This clinical study aims to understand whether domestic hydromorphinone sustained-release tablets are effective and safe in treating moderate to severe cancer pain in elderly patients with renal insufficiency. It will also understand key safety concerns, especially regarding renal function and neurotoxicity. The main questions it aims to answer include:1. Can hydromorphinone sustained-release tablets effectively relieve the pain of such patients and improve their quality of life?2. During the treatment period, what effect does this drug have on renal function (measured by eGFR)? 3. In this specific population, what are the occurrence and characteristics of neurotoxicity and other side effects induced by opioids? Researchers will compare elderly cancer pain patients with renal insufficiency with those with normal renal function (both receiving the study drug treatment) to observe whether there are differences in efficacy and safety results. Participants will: Receive a standardized treatment plan: First, subcutaneous injection of hydromorphinone injection for dose titration, and then switch to daily oral administration of hydromorphinone sustained-release tablets for 4 weeks. Visit the clinic for assessment and examination (including renal function tests) during the baseline period, on the 7th day, and at the weekends of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days. Regularly monitor and record the degree of pain, the occurrence of explosive pain, the use of medication, and any side effects.

Virtual Reality for GI Cancer Pain to Improve Patient Reported Outcomes

Patients with digestive tract malignancy often experience severe and unremitting abdominal pain that negatively affects physical, emotional, and social function, as well as health related quality of life (HRQOL). Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising and evidence-based treatment modality for cancer pain. Users of VR wear a pair of goggles with a close-proximity screen in front of the eyes that creates a sensation of being transported into lifelike, three-dimensional worlds. To date, VR has been limited to short-term clinical trials for cancer pain. Moreover, limited research exists on theory-based VR modalities beyond mere distraction, such as VR that employs acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with components of biofeedback and mindfulness. To bridge these gaps, this study seeks to: (1) assess the impact of immersive VR on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including pain, activity metrics, and opioid use among patients with visceral pain from a digestive tract malignancy; (2) assess differences in PROs, activity metrics, and opioid use between skills-based VR therapy vs. distraction VR therapy; and (3) determine patient-level predictors of VR treatment response in visceral cancer pain. To address these aims, the study will measure PROs and opioid use in 360 patients randomized among 3 groups and follow them for 60 days after enrollment: (1) an enhanced VR group receiving skills-based VR; (2) a distraction-based VR group receiving patient-selected VR videos; and (3) a VR sham control group using a VR headset with 2-D content. The results will inform best practices for the implementation of VR for visceral cancer pain management and guide selection of patient-tailored experiences.

Stereotactic MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Mesencephalotomy

This phase 1 multi-site study investigates the safety and initial effectiveness of focused ultrasound lesioning of the contralateral mesencephalon for severe, opioid-resistant pain associated with head and neck cancer and brachial cancer.

MRI Evaluation of Spinal Cord Edema After CT-Guided Percutaneous Cordotomy in Cancer Pain Patients

This observational study aims to evaluate changes in the spinal cord following CT-guided percutaneous cervical cordotomy performed for the treatment of intractable cancer-related pain. Cordotomy is a routine clinical procedure used to relieve severe pain in selected cancer patients. After the procedure, some patients may develop temporary neurological symptoms that are thought to be related to spinal cord edema. In this study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be performed as part of routine clinical follow-up on postoperative day 1 and at 1 month to assess the presence and extent of spinal cord edema. Clinical outcomes, including pain intensity and possible postprocedural symptoms, will be recorded and compared with MRI findings. The goal of this research is to better understand the relationship between imaging changes in the spinal cord and clinical outcomes after cordotomy, which may help improve patient care and postoperative management in the future.

Intermittent Erector Spinae Plane Block Via Subcutaneous Port for Cancer Pain

Cancer-related pain is a common and challenging problem in patients with lung cancer, often requiring long-term pain management. Conventional pain treatments, including systemic medications, may not provide adequate relief or may cause significant side effects. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a regional anesthesia technique that can help reduce pain by delivering local anesthetic near the nerves supplying the chest wall. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intermittent ESP block administered through a subcutaneous port for controlling cancer-related pain in patients with lung cancer. Eligible patients with lung cancer and moderate to severe pain will receive intermittent ESP block injections via a subcutaneous port as part of their pain management plan. Pain intensity, analgesic requirements, and potential side effects will be assessed over time. The results of this study may help determine whether intermittent ESP block via a subcutaneous port is a useful and feasible option for improving pain control and quality of life in patients with lung cancer.

Effect of Adding Ultrasound Guided IPACK Block to Adductor Canal Block for Postoperative Pain in Knee Tumor Excision

the aim of this study is to determine the analgesic effect of iPACK in combination to ACB after the excision of tumors around the Knee regarding the following: * Time to the 1st rescue analgesia. * Postoperative morphine consumption. * Postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS). This study will include patients, aged 18 to 65 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II to IV , undergoing excision of tumors around the knee under spinal anesthesia. Patients will be randomly allocated Group iPACK plus Adductor canal block (ACB) : patients will receive ACB plus iPACK block. • Control group : patients will not receive any block but will take morphine 3mg bolus at VAS more than 4 and regular NSAIDS and paracetamol iv.

Virtual Reality Therapy for Cancer-Treatment Associated Symptoms

We propose an innovative approach to symptom management in cancer patients following cancer treatments, utilizing a Multimodal Integrative Therapy (MIT) delivered via Virtual Reality (VR) program, authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration for in-home use. Our primary goal is to generate pilot data on the effects of MIT-VR program on pain, fatigue, sleep, depression, and anxiety in participants suffering from chronic cancer symptoms following cancer treatments.

Auriculo-Nerve Stimulation on Post-Operative Opioid Requirement

The NSS-2 BRIDGE® device (NSS stands for Neuro-Stimulation System) is a disposable device that stimulates the branches of cranial nerves and of the superficial cervical plexus innervating the ear. Because the stimulation of the nerves of the ear by the NSS-2 BRIDGE® device (NBD®) has been shown to modulate pain pathways in rodents, decrease abdominal pain in adolescents with inflammatory bile syndrome and due to the results of our preliminary pilot study, the investigators hypothesized that this technique may also be effective in reducing the requirement for postoperative opioids and provide a non-pharmacological alternative to perioperative opioid use. To establish the role that the stimulation of the nerves of the ear may have in reducing postoperative opioid requirement, the investigators are proposing to conduct a randomized, placebo controlled study in patients undergoing open abdominal or pelvic surgery requiring at least 5 days of hospitalization. Subjects who have signed an informed consent will be randomized in 2 groups (active NBD® group or inactive NBD® group). Furthermore, since preoperative and postoperative mood disorders have been shown to increase postoperative pain levels and opioid requirement by up to 50%, the investigators further hypothesize that the stimulation of the ear nerves by the NSS-2 BRIDGE® effects may be in part mediated by a reduction of the level of anxiety, depression and catastrophizing as assessed using validated questionnaires.

Cognitive Behavioral Theory-assisted Virtual Reality for Chronic CANcer Pain (VR-CAN)

While chronic cancer pain affecting as many as 75% of patients is typically addressed using pharmacologic interventions, experts and patients alike support maximizing any relevant non-pharmacologic interventions as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Virtual reality, a novel technology that can temporarily immerse users in a calm, pleasant environment, has been increasingly shown to facilitate improvement in different acute and chronic pain syndromes by providing distraction from pain and lowering pain sensation. To address the significant needs of patients living with chronic cancer pain, we aim to develop and pilot test a prototype device that will leverage cognitive behavioral therapy principles to deliver a novel virtual reality pain therapy. The investigators will do this through the following steps: Step 1. Develop and refine a CBT-assisted VR prototype for patients with chronic cancer pain (VR-CAN). Step 2. Conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, and initial clinical impact of the developed VR-CAN prototype compared to a tablet-based two-dimensional video control group. Step 3. Collect and evaluate qualitative post-intervention data on VR-CAN participants' preferences, thoughts, and feelings about the VR-CAN technology and protocol to optimize for a future, larger, fully powered randomized controlled trial.

UDOPAL Study: Home-Based Interventional Approach to Pain Management in Home-Hospitalized Patients

The UDOPAL Study proposes an innovative home-based care approach for the management of pain in patients admitted to the Home Hospitalization Unit (UHD). This model incorporates interventional pain management techniques into the clinical practice of home-hospital professionals, supported when necessary by specialists from the Pain Medicine Unit. Pain is a prevalent and often undertreated problem in patients receiving home hospitalization, where complex or oncologic pain may require specialized procedures that traditionally are only performed in hospital settings. The UDOPAL model aims to bridge this gap by providing ultrasound-guided and minimally invasive pain procedures directly at the patient's home, including nerve blocks, infiltrations, and other targeted interventions. This observational, prospective study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and clinical impact of implementing interventional pain management at home. Adult patients with chronic, oncologic, or complex pain will be included. Outcomes include pain intensity, opioid use, functional improvement, quality of life, and patient satisfaction, as well as adverse events related to the techniques. The study seeks to provide scientific evidence supporting a new model of interventional home-based pain care that improves comfort, continuity of care, and efficient use of healthcare resources. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee (CEIm Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Acta No. 600, 08/10/2025) and is conducted at Hospital de Manises (Valencia, Spain).

Integrative Medicine for Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer Trial (IMPACT)

The purpose of this study is to compare the long-term effectiveness of acupuncture versus massage in people living with advanced cancer. The study will test how the two approaches compare in helping people with pain and its related symptoms and improving quality of life.

Mindfulness-oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) for Cancer Pain Relief

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not mindfulness-based interventions/MBIs may help reduce chronic pain in participants who have cancer-related chronic pain. MBIs are therapeutic programs that use mindfulness meditation practices to help people focus on the present moment, as well as encourage acceptance of thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. The researchers think that an MBI treatment called Mindfulness-oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) may help people who are experiencing cancer-related chronic pain.

Cancer Pain Management Using a Web-based Intervention

This study is funded by the HEAL Initiative (https://heal.nih.gov/). Based on Preliminary Studies (PSs), the research team developed and pilot-tested an evidence-based Web App-based information and coaching/support program for cancer pain management (CAPA) that was culturally tailored to Asian American breast cancer survivors using multiple unique features. However, CAPA rarely considered depressive symptoms accompanying pain in its design or components, and PSs indicated the necessity of further individualization of the intervention components of CAPA due to diversities in the needs of ABD. The purpose of the proposed 2-phase study is to further develop CAPA with additional components for ABD and the individual optimization functionality (CAI) and to test the efficacy of CAI in improving cancer pain experience of ABD. The specific aims are to: a) develop and evaluate CAI through an expert review and a usability test (R61 phase); b) determine whether the intervention group (that uses CAI and usual care) will show significantly greater improvements than the active control group (that uses CAPA and usual care) in primary outcomes (cancer pain management and cancer pain experience including depressive symptoms) from baseline to post 1-month and post 3-months; c) identify theory-based variables (attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and social influences) that mediate the intervention effects of CAI on the primary outcomes; and d) determine whether the effects of CAI on the primary outcomes are moderated by selected background, disease, genetic, and situational factors. This study is guided by the Bandura's Theory and the stress and coping framework by Lazarus and Folkman. The R61 phase includes: (a) the intervention development process, (b) a usability test among 15 ABD, 15 family members, and 15 community gatekeepers; and (c) an expert review among 10 experts in oncology. The R33 phase adopts a randomized repeated measures control group design among 300 ABD. Long-term goals are: (a) to extend and test CAI in various healthcare settings with diverse subgroups of ABD, (b) examine the costeffectiveness, sustainability, and scalability of CAI in the settings, and (c) translate CAI into health care for ABD.

Evaluation of the Medical Service by Socio-aesthetics in Oncology

the 3-year randomized controlled RCT-SE study aims to investigate Socio-aesthetics well being care on quality of life, pain and anxiety. The primary objective is to show that socio-aesthetics well being care improves quality of life during cancer treatment, compared to self care administration of dermo-cosmetics products The secondary objectives are to show that socio-aesthetics well being care significantly reduced anxiety and pain compared to self care administration of dermo-cosmetics products

Pain ASsessment in CAncer Patients by Machine LEarning (PASCALE)

In cancer patients, the integration between anticancer therapies and palliative care is of fundamental importance. In this context, telemedicine can improve the quality of life (QoL) of chronic patients through self-management and remote monitoring solutions. This approach can favor the effectiveness of the treatment and therapeutic adherence. Of note, telemedicine can also be applied to the management of cancer pain. In the advanced stages of cancer disease, pain is one of the most obvious and most disabling symptoms. Consequently, proper pain management has a significant impact on the QoL, the ability to withstand treatment, and the recovery of patients. On the other hand, given the complexity of cancer pain, the main obstacle to its proper management is the lack of adequate measurement methods. Although in recent years a great deal of effort has been made in the direction of automatic pain assessment, both concerning the creation of datasets and the development of classification algorithms, the literature is lacking regarding the automatic measurement of pain in the setting of cancer patients. Observation by experienced clinical staff and self-assessment by patients could be useful for obtaining the ground truth and, in turn, for training automatic pain recognition systems.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-based Platform for Cancer Pain Management

Malignant tumors are one of the major public health problems in China, and cancer pain is a common symptom in tumor patients, affecting the quality of life. In rural areas, cancer pain management is challenging due to insufficient medical resources and limitations in understanding cancer pain. Investigators plan to develop a convenient patient self-reporting applet to help participants report their symptoms to primary care physicians promptly and monitor pain levels and medication in real-time. This project aims to improve the efficiency of cancer pain management, integrate cancer pain into chronic disease management, improve the quality of healthcare services for rural participants, and promote the construction of a healthy China.

Implementation of Personalized Medicine for Optimal Drug Therapy in Cancer

A prospective longitudinal cohort study that will assess the effect of a Personalized Medicine (PM) clinic recommendations on pharmacogenetic variation and/or interacting drugs on plasma drug exposure, effectiveness or toxicity of commonly used antidepressant, pain, and antiemetic medications in cancer patients. Such recommendations will entail genotype-guided treatment suggestions while also considering potential DDI, and will be provided to patients during their clinic visit, and referring physicians thereafter. Drug concentration and therapeutic effectiveness will be assessed before (baseline) and 6 months after recommendations have been provided. To assess effectiveness, patient-reported outcomes will be evaluated using validated scales for symptoms of depression, pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea/ vomiting The investigators hypothesize that the pharmacogenetic variation and DDI, if applicable, determine steady state drug concentration and therapeutic response or toxicity of the investigated antidepressant, pain or antiemetic treatments at baseline, while there is a clinically significant reduction or absence of the effect 6 months after the PM clinic recommendations to referring physicians and patients.