AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Optimizing subcutaneous FEntanyl titRation: RApid achievement of adequate exposure when treating cancer-Related paIn (FERRARI-study).

This study, called FERRARI, is all about finding the best and fastest way to give a pain medicine called fentanyl to people who have cancer pain. Fentanyl is given as an injection just under the skin. The main goal is to make sure patients get the right amount of medicine quickly so their pain is well controlled. This is a "Phase IV" study, which means the medicine is already approved for use, and researchers are now looking at the best ways to use it in everyday practice. It's for adults aged 18 and over, regardless of whether they are male or female, who are experiencing pain because of their cancer.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC)

Enrolment target

Start

10 Nov 2023

Cancer pain

What is this study about?

When someone has cancer, they often experience pain. Doctors use different medicines to help manage this. One such medicine is called fentanyl, which can be given as an injection just under the skin – a bit like how some people with diabetes take their insulin. This study, called FERRARI, is focused on finding the best way to give fentanyl so that patients feel comfortable and get good pain relief as quickly as possible. It's like finding the perfect recipe for a dish; the ingredients are known, but the study is trying to find the best way to combine and deliver them for the best outcome.

This isn't a study trying out a completely new medicine. Fentanyl is already a well-known and approved painkiller. Instead, this study is about improving how we use it for cancer pain. It's known as a 'Phase IV' study in medical terms. Think of it as refining an existing treatment to make it even more effective and comfortable for patients.

The main idea is to make sure that people with cancer pain can get relief faster and more consistently. By figuring out the best way to adjust the dose of fentanyl, doctors can help patients feel less pain sooner, which can greatly improve their quality of life. Ultimately, the study wants to help doctors give patients the most appropriate and effective pain relief without unnecessary delays.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on improving how fentanyl is used for cancer pain.
Aims to find the ideal dose for quick pain relief.
Fentanyl is an existing, approved pain medication.
For adults (18+) with cancer pain.
Involves adjusting medication dosage to suit individual needs.
Helps improve future cancer pain care for many.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. The study is open to both men and women.

The most important thing for joining is that you are currently experiencing pain because of cancer. This study is specifically looking at cancer pain and how best to treat it.

There might be other health conditions or medicines you're taking that could mean you can't join, even if you meet these basic requirements. The doctor or nurse running the study will check all of this carefully with you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have pain because of cancer?
Are you able to take medicines given as an injection under the skin?
Are you open to having your pain medication dosage carefully adjusted by doctors?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

We don’t have full details on what taking part involves. Usually, in studies like this, you would have regular appointments with the study team. They would ask you about your pain levels and any side effects you might be having. You would be given the fentanyl medication, and the dose might be adjusted based on how you’re feeling. There would also be follow-up checks to see how you’re doing after starting the treatment. The total time you’d be involved in the study isn't specified, but it would likely be for a set period to see how the medication works for you.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits could include getting your cancer pain better controlled more quickly, which would improve your comfort and daily life. You would also be contributing to important research that could help many other people with cancer pain in the future. As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects with fentanyl, which your doctor will explain fully. These can vary from person to person. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What is fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a strong pain medicine often used for severe pain, including pain caused by cancer. In this study, it's given as an injection under the skin.

How is this study different from testing a new drug?

This study isn't about a new drug. Fentanyl is already approved and used. This study is looking at the best way to give it to patients to get the right dose quickly for pain relief.

Will my pain definitely go away if I join?

The goal of the study is to find the quickest way to get your pain under better control. While we can't promise 100% pain relief, the aim is to improve your comfort significantly.

Do I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you don't have to pay to take part in a clinical study. All study-related care and medication are provided as part of your participation.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care or relationship with your doctor.