NCT05925036 · VA Office of Research and Development
Novel Cellular Therapy for the Treatment of Pain Associated With Chronic Pancreatitis
(MSCPainRelief)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether adult stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) collected from the patient's bone marrow can help reduce pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and improve pancreatic function.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether adult stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) collected from the patient's bone marrow can help reduce pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and improve pancreatic function.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 18 and 75 years old, male or female
- Definite chronic pancreatitis M-ANNHEIM criteria (Tsimmerman Ia, 2008) One or more of the following are required:
- Pancreatic calcifications
- Moderate or marked ductal lesions
- Marked and persistent exocrine insufficiency defined as pancreatic steatorrhea markedly reduced by enzyme supplementation
- Typical histology of an adequate histological specimen
- Patients who are diagnosed with painful CP for more than 6 months may be constant or may have been waxing and waning/remitting.
- Baseline Izbicki pain score \> 30 (Dworkin et al., 2005)
- Stable dose of opioids for the past 30 days
Exclusion criteria
- Acute pancreatitis per 2012 revised Atlanta criteria (23) within the last 30 days oThe revised Atlanta classification requires that two or more of the following criteria be met for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis: (a) abdominal pain suggestive of pancreatitis, (b) serum amylase or lipase level greater than three times the upper normal value, or (c) characteristic imaging findings.
- Chronic pain syndromes other than pancreatitis that require daily use of opioids in the past 30 days.
- Hemoglobin of \<8.0g/dL, EGFR\<60 ml/min, AST or ALT \>2 times upper limit of normal, Bilirubin \> 1.5 mg/dl unless the subject has confirmed Gilbert syndrome., Platelets \<100,000/microliter, HbA1c \>10%
- Congestive Heart Failure NYHA class \>1
- History of Malignancy except for in situ malignancies that have been surgically treated and basal cell skin cancers
- Evidence of active infection using current antibiotics or with Hepatitis B, C, or HIV
- Known intravenous contrast allergy causing anaphylaxis
- Any subject who has had an ongoing alcohol abuse and/or illegal drug dependencies within the past six months.
- Any subject who has received an investigational drug or device within 30 days before randomization or who is expected to receive an investigational drug or device during this study.
- Patients with planned endoscopic or surgical intervention, surgical resection or needle drainage of pancreatic structures in the next 6 months.
- Subjects with infected pancreatic pseudocysts or pancreatic walled-off necrotic areas at the time of consent
- Females who are pregnant or women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) and males with female partners of childbearing potential who are not willing to use adequate contraception during the study
- Breastfeeding females
- Subject unwilling to follow the protocol and assessment
Where
- Charleston, South Carolina
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations