Could an antidepressant ease cancer treatment pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03574792
First seen Apr 23, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 14 times
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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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 STAGE IV CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK AJCC V8 are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States
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.
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.