Brain training and extra support may cut opioid misuse in cancer patients
NCT ID NCT05077072
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two pain management approaches—neurofeedback (brain wave training) and a supportive care team—against standard care in 28 head and neck cancer patients at risk of misusing opioids. The goal is to see if these methods can lower pain and reduce the need for strong painkillers. Participants must be 18 or older, scheduled for radiation, and have a history of opioid misuse risk.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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28 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of HNC, with patient scheduled to receive radiation therapy, with or without evidence of active disease * Willingness to be seen in the outpatient supportive care center (SCC) * History of use of non-medical opioid use (Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain \[SOAPP\] \>= 7+ and/or Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye opener questionnaire \[CAGE\] \>= 2+) * Physician-estimated prognosis of at least 12 months * Age 18 or older * Able to complete study assessments * Willing to sign written informed consent * Both human papillomavirus (HPV) and non-HPV patients will be included * Patients currently receiving opioids for at least 1 week * Able to read, write and speak English Exclusion Criteria: * Individual with clinically evident impaired cognition by Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) score of \>= 13 * Employees of MD Anderson Cancer Center
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Experimental pill HG146 put to the test against rare head and neck cancer
- Can a dental assistant keep cancer Patients' mouths healthier during radiation?
- Why do Non-Smokers get head and neck cancer? scientists probe tumor DNA
- Re-irradiation plus cetuximab targets head and neck tumors that return
- Sharper tumor maps: PET scans could tighten radiation beams
- Five days of radiation instead of weeks: a new test for head and neck cancer