NCT06198010 · Mayo Clinic
A Collaborative Intervention for Improving Cancer Pain Management in Cancer Survivors
(ASCENT)
What this study is about
This clinical trial tests a collaborative pain management intervention (ASCENT) for improving cancer pain in cancer survivors. Cancer pain is prevalent, under-treated, and remains a major cause of suffering, impairment, and disability for millions of Americans. Individual pain interventions and care models show promise for cancer pain in controlled settings.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial tests a collaborative pain management intervention (ASCENT) for improving cancer pain in cancer survivors. Cancer pain is prevalent, under-treated, and remains a major cause of suffering, impairment, and disability for millions of Americans. Individual pain interventions and care models show promise for cancer pain in controlled settings. All cancer survivors stand to benefit from electronic health record innovations, as they can experience profound pain outcomes, including marked under- and over-prescribing of opioids. Digitally facilitated solutions are especially helpful and can be customized to address patient needs. The ASCENT intervention provides patients with an educational guide that describes techniques for addressing cancer pain, and uses community health workers and pain care managers to coach patients through a personalized pain management plan. This study may help researchers learn how pain management strategies can improve cancer pain and lower risk of opioid exposure and dependency in cancer survivors.
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
- A qualifying liquid or solid cancer diagnosis with visits at a participating Mayo site in the past 15 years
- Including malignant hematology
- Chronic leukemias
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of \>= 5/10
- Pain that developed or worsened following cancer diagnosis
- Fit the description of either rural or Hispanic or both
Exclusion criteria
- Patient Health Questionnaire - 8 (PHQ8) score of \>= 13
- Hospice enrollment
- Skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation facility, or long-term care placement
- Encounters with Palliative Care or the Pain Clinic in the past two months or upcoming two months
- Any mention of hospice referral in medical oncology encounter notes (assess through textual search of the Mayo Data Explorer)
- Affirmative response to, "Are you usually confined to a bed or chair more than a third of your waking hours because of your health?"
- Currently homeless
- Do not feel safe in their home
- New or worsening chest pain, chest tightness, or chest pressure
- Back pain that is associated with a new or worsening weakness, control of bowels/bladder, or difficulty walking
- Lightheadedness, inability to keep down food or fluids, or vomiting blood or dark coffee-grounds-like material
- New or worsening headaches that are associated with vision changes, nausea, balance issues, or problems with speech
- Screens positive for use of non-cannabis drug use a a frequency of monthly or greater
- Inability to engage with the intervention due to medical or psychological response
Where
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Rochester, Minnesota
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 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations