Could an antidepressant ease cancer treatment pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03574792
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested whether adding venlafaxine (an antidepressant) to a standard pain regimen of gabapentin, methadone, and oxycodone could better control pain in 62 people with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation. The study measured pain scores and side effects during and after treatment. Results may help improve pain management and quality of life for future patients.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Venlafaxine (an antidepressant) added to gabapentin, methadone, and oxycodone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a better way to manage severe pain during head and neck cancer treatment, potentially improving quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study (62 people) that is already completed, so results may not apply to everyone. Adding venlafaxine may cause side effects like nausea or dizziness without improving pain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States
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