Could a common painkiller combo ease cancer treatment pain?

NCT ID NCT02439034

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether adding ketoprofen to standard paracetamol (acetaminophen) can better control pain in patients receiving brachytherapy for cervical or upper airway/digestive tract cancers. Sixty-eight adults were randomly assigned to receive either paracetamol alone or paracetamol plus ketoprofen during and after the procedure. The goal was to see if the combination kept pain below a score of 4 out of 10, four hours after surgery, and to track pain levels throughout recovery at home.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Paracetamol and ketoprofen

What this could lead to

If successful, this could establish a standard pain management protocol for brachytherapy patients, reducing pain and improving quality of life during and after treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a small phase 2 trial with only 68 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Adding ketoprofen may increase side effects like stomach or kidney issues.

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 UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT NEOPLASMS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia cervical cancer cervical carcinoma Head and Neck Neoplasms upper aerodigestive tract neoplasm Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Centre Oscar Lambret

    Lille, 59020, France