250 Participants Needed

Biomarkers for Chronic Pain

AC
Overseen ByAnne Cunniffe Marcy, MSBH
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Stanford University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial focuses on discovering new methods to diagnose and predict outcomes for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The goal is to identify specific biomarkers—biological indicators found in the body—that can help determine whether someone will recover or continue to experience long-term pain and disability. The study seeks adults with ongoing musculoskeletal pain not caused by conditions like arthritis or lupus. Participants should not have other major health issues that could interfere with the study. As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for chronic pain.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for high-impact chronic pain because they offer a new way to understand and manage this condition. Unlike current treatments that mainly focus on symptom relief, these biomarkers aim to provide insights into the biological processes underlying chronic pain. This can lead to more personalized care, potentially allowing healthcare providers to predict how a patient might respond to various treatments and tailor interventions accordingly. By identifying specific biomarkers, there's also the potential to develop targeted therapies that address the root causes of pain rather than just masking it. This approach could revolutionize chronic pain management, offering hope for more effective and long-lasting relief.

What evidence suggests that these biomarkers are effective for diagnosing and predicting chronic musculoskeletal pain?

Research shows that certain signs, called biomarkers, can help predict and understand chronic pain. These signs appear in blood tests, brain scans, and even in genes. For chronic muscle and joint pain, these indicators might help identify who will improve and who might continue to experience pain. Although fully proven biomarkers for chronic pain do not yet exist, early research is promising. It suggests they could enhance the diagnosis and management of chronic pain.12345

Who Is on the Research Team?

SM

Sean Mackey, MD, PhD.

Principal Investigator

Stanford University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessment of participants to establish baseline biomarker and pain interference levels

1 week

Observation

Participants are monitored for changes in biomarker signatures and pain interference over time

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the observation period

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Stanford University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2,527
Recruited
17,430,000+

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Collaborator

Trials
1,403
Recruited
655,000+

Citations

Innovations in acute and chronic pain biomarkers

This review synthesizes recent advancements in identifying and validating acute and chronic pain biomarkers, including imaging, molecular, sensory, and ...

NCT04994249 | Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for ...

To identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarker signatures of recovery versus having persisting high-impact chronic pain and functional disability in adults ...

Biological markers & psychosocial factors predict chronic pain

Biomarkers derived from blood immunoassays, brain and bone imaging, and genetics were effective in predicting medical conditions associated with chronic pain.

Biomarkers for Chronic Pain: Advances

This review will discuss the current concepts of biomarkers in the field of chronic pain and how their development could enhance future pain research and ...

Predicting chronic postsurgical pain: current evidence and...

Biomarkers are used to diagnose, track, and treat other diseases, but no validated clinical biomarkers exist yet for chronic pain.