Could methadone ease agonizing mouth pain in kids after transplant?

NCT ID NCT06940570

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding methadone to usual morphine-based pain medicine reduces severe mouth pain in children aged 6–18 who are getting a stem cell transplant for leukemia, aplastic anemia, or similar conditions. The mouth pain is a common side effect of the chemotherapy given before transplant. Researchers hope the combination will lower pain scores and reduce the total amount of opioids needed. The trial is small (60 participants) and currently on hold.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

methadone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a better way to manage severe mouth pain in children during stem cell transplant recovery.

What could go wrong

The trial is small (60 participants) and currently suspended, so results may not be conclusive. Methadone also has side effects like drowsiness and breathing problems.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LEUKEMIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aplastic anemia Bone Marrow Failure Disorders bone marrow failure syndrome leukemia mucositis neoplasm Pain, Intractable severe combined immunodeficiency

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Children's Health of Dallas

    Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States