Rochester, NYNCT05285683Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Chronic Pain Clinical Trial in Rochester, NY

Access cutting-edge chronic pain treatment through this phase 2 clinical trial at a research site in Rochester. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of Rochester

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Expert Care in Rochester

Access chronic pain specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related chronic pain treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this chronic pain clinical trial in Rochester, NY

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Rochester

    Convenient for NY residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Rochester site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Chronic Pain Study in Rochester

Chronic pain is associated with plasticity in the brain limbic system composed mainly of the amygdala, hippocampus, ventral striatum, and cingulate cortex (ACC) /medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). These brain areas, especially the ventral striatum, receive dopaminergic input from the ventral-tegmental area (VTA). Although there is a significant literature now showing that limbic brain tracks chronic pain intensity and predicts the risk of transition from sub-acute to chronic pain, the role of dopaminergic input to the limbic brain and the change thereof which occurs in chronic pain, is still not clear. Given the role of dopamine in motivational control and the loss of motivation associated with chronic pain understanding how dopaminergic transmission is altered in the limbic brain of chronic pain patients is critical to the understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Therefore, the overall aim of this project is to use brain imaging to study how dopaminergic transmission through the oral administration of pro-dopaminergic medications carbidopa/levodopa (CD/LD) and methylphenidate will modulate the brain signature of chronic pain. Chronic pain subjects will be scanned at baseline (no drug administration) and three times after treatment with the two drugs or placebo. The protocol will follow a randomized double-blind approach.

Sponsor: University of Rochester

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

The following inclusion criteria must be met for all subjects to be considered eligible to participate:
18 years old or older
Equal numbers of men and women, as well as racial and ethnic makeup representative of surrounding area
Able to speak, read, and understand English
In generally stable health
Sign informed consent document The following inclusion criteria must be met for chronic pain patients to be considered eligible to participate:
Patients must report chronic pain for more than 1 year.
The reported pain should be rated at ≥ 40/100

Exclusion Criteria

General exclusion criteria for all subjects include:
Significant other medical disease, such as unstable diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, coronary or peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, or malignancy
History of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Current misuse/dependence on substance(s), including alcohol, at the time of study enrollment
Major psychiatric disorder during the past 6 months
Significantly abnormal laboratory values, which include, but are not limited to, the following:
White blood cell (WBC) \< 1.5 or \>15.0 x 10\^3/μL
Hemoglobin (Hgb) \< 8 gm/dL
Hematocrit (Hct) \< 24% or \> 50%
Platelets (Plts) \<50 or \> 1000 x10\^3
Creatine \> 2 mg/dL
Glucose \> 125 mg/dL
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \> 250 U/L
Alanine Transaminase (ALT) \> 250 U/L
Bilirubin \> 3 mg/dL
Intra-axial implants (e.g. - spinal cord stimulators or pumps)
Inability to adequately perform the finger-span visual tracking task (training for rotating pain perception, see Brain Imaging Details).
All MRI exclusionary criteria: any metallic implants, brain or skull abnormalities, tattoos on large body parts, pregnancy, and claustrophobia.
In the judgement of the investigator, unable or unwilling to follow the protocol and instructions.
Gambling addiction self-reported during screening process (ensure computer-based games do not cause psychological or emotional problems)
Chronic pain patients with past history of allergic reactions to methylphenidate or levodopa/carbidopa. For healthy control subjects, current complaint(s) of pain, or a history of pain lasting \>4 weeks in the last year, will be excluded from participating. In addition, exclusion criteria for chronic pain subjects also includes:
Pain that is associated with any systemic signs or symptoms (e.g. - fever, chills)
Evidence of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute vertebral fractures, fibromyalgia, history of tumor(s) in the back.
Involvement in litigation regarding their pain, or having a disability claim, or receiving workman's compensation, or seeking either because of their pain.
Treated with methadone for opioid use disorder (i.e. - not just for pain)

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Rochester?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT05285683) has an active research site in Rochester, NY that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Chronic Pain Treatment Options in Rochester, NY

If you're searching for chronic pain treatment options in Rochester, NY, this clinical trial (NCT05285683) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Rochester research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 2 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced chronic pain specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all chronic pain clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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