NCT04996628 · University of Pittsburgh
Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST) to Predict Treatment Response for Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis
(P-QST)
What this study is about
Abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) affects up to 90% of patients during the course of their disease, and response to currently available therapies is suboptimal and unpredictable.
View original scientific description
Abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP) affects up to 90% of patients during the course of their disease, and response to currently available therapies is suboptimal and unpredictable. The proposed clinical trial will evaluate the predictive capability of Pancreatic Quantitative Sensory Testing (P-QST) - a novel assessment of neurosensory phenotyping- for improvement in pain in patients with CP who are undergoing medically-indicated invasive treatment with endoscopic therapy or surgery.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Quantitative Sensory Test 1
Subject will give pain rating (on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 0-10) of single as well as multiple stimulation with round-tip non-invasive pin-prick device. Difference is recorded as Temporal Summation Score.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Quantitative Sensory Test 2
Subject will state when they first detect pain and pain detection threshold in response to pressure administration with pressure algometer. Pressure threshold recorded in kilopascals(kP). Stimulation will be repeated in pancreatic and control dermatomes. Subject will then state pain tolerance threshold at same locations. Sensitization will be characterized by ratio of pancreatic vs. control dermatome scores.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
Quantitative Sensory Test 3
Subject will apply dominant hand to ice-chilled water bath (36F) for up to 2 minutes. Pain score (VAS 0-10) will be assessed each 10 seconds. Pain tolerance threshold (in kP) will be assessed with algometer on non-dominant thigh before and after water bath to determine change in threshold. Difference in pain tolerance recorded as Conditioned Pain Modulation Score.
Primary outcome measures
Average Pain Score
Time frame: six months post procedure
The primary outcome of the study is average pain score at 6 months post-procedure based on single-question numeric rating scale (NRS) (Scale of 0 to 10 how intense abdominal pain has been on average over the past 7 days (Scale: 0=No pain, 10=Worst pain Imaginable.)
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
- Adult patients ≥ 18 years of age with definite CP undergoing decompressive invasive treatments (endoscopic therapy or surgery) to relieve main pancreatic duct obstruction due to stones and/or stricture for management of pain.
- Endoscopic therapy: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with pancreatic duct stone removal, stent placement, and/or stricture dilation, ± intraductal lithotripsy or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
- Surgery: drainage procedures (Frey and Puestow operations)
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with chronic pain from conditions other than CP
- Patients \< 18 years of age
- Patients who have had endoscopic therapy within the past 12 months
- Patients who have undergone prior pancreatic surgery
- Patients who have resective surgical procedure planned (eg. Whipple procedure, Total Pancreatectomy)
- Patients with peripheral sensory deficits
- Patients with known pregnancy at the time of study screening\*\
- Note: Women who become pregnant during the course of the study can no longer participate in P-QST testing.
Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Dec 22, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations