Empowered Relief for Cancer Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the effectiveness of the Empowered Relief course in helping cancer survivors manage chronic pain. Participants will either join a one-time, two-hour online class or be placed in a control group with the option to take the class later. The trial seeks individuals who have completed cancer treatment, are currently cancer-free, and have experienced persistent body pain for at least three months. The goal is to determine if this course can provide meaningful pain relief for eligible participants. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to research that could enhance pain management for cancer survivors.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that the Empowered Relief Course is safe for cancer survivors with chronic pain?
Research has shown that the Empowered Relief course is generally safe and easy to manage. Studies have found that participants report it as a well-tolerated method for managing pain. This course consists of a single, two-hour session that teaches skills for pain relief. No side effects have been directly linked to the course. Participants often find the class both helpful and easy to follow, suggesting it is a safe option for those seeking effective chronic pain management.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Empowered Relief course for cancer pain because it offers a novel, non-drug approach to pain management. Unlike traditional treatments such as opioids and other medications, which can have significant side effects and addiction risks, the Empowered Relief program is a one-time, two-hour online course designed to equip patients with cognitive and behavioral tools to manage their pain. This course can be accessed remotely, making it highly accessible and convenient for patients who may have limited mobility or live far from medical centers. By focusing on empowering patients with self-management strategies, this approach could potentially reduce reliance on medication and improve quality of life.
What evidence suggests that the Empowered Relief Course is effective for cancer pain?
Research has shown that the Empowered Relief (ER) course can help reduce chronic pain. One study found that ER led to a 42.25% decrease in pain catastrophizing, meaning it helped people stop thinking about pain in a way that worsens it, after three months. Another study demonstrated that ER's effects on pain were similar to those of an eight-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program, a well-known method for managing chronic pain. After eight weeks, participants in ER reported less pain and improved mood. Additionally, ER has reduced the need for opioids after surgery, highlighting its pain-relieving ability. These findings suggest that the ER course, which participants in this trial may receive, could be a promising treatment for managing chronic pain in cancer survivors.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sophia You, PhD, ABPP
Principal Investigator
University of Oklahoma
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults who have survived cancer and are experiencing ongoing, long-term pain. Participants must be able to join an online class via Zoom. People with certain conditions or circumstances that would prevent them from participating fully may not be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants attend a one-time 2-hour Empowered Relief Zoom course
Follow-up
Participants complete follow-up surveys at 1, 2, and 3 months post-class
Wait-List Control Observation
Participants in the wait-list control group are observed without intervention
Open-label extension (optional)
Wait-list control participants may opt into the Empowered Relief course after the observation period
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Empowered Relief Course
Trial Overview
The study tests the effectiveness of a single-session Empowered Relief® (ER) pain management class delivered over Zoom compared to being on a waitlist. After three months, those on the waitlist can also take the ER class.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in this arm of the study will complete the one-time 2hr Empowered Relief zoom course. They will also complete a post-course survey as well as the standardized 1, 2, and 3-month follow-up surveys.
Participants in the Wait-List Control (WLC) arm will not have initial access to the empowered relief course. Additionally they will not have to complete a post-course survey. The WLC group will be asked to complete the 1, 2, and 3-month follow-up studies after no intervention. After this 3-month observatory period, WLC participants will have voluntary access to the Empowered Relief course.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Oklahoma
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Empowered Relief® for Cancer Survivors With Chronic Pain
This randomized controlled study to examine the efficacy of ER class in cancer survivors with chronic pain. Eligible participants will be ...
Empowered Relief, cognitive behavioral therapy, and health ...
A One-session empowered relief provides clinically meaningful effects comparable to an 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy at 6 months for chronic low back ...
Efficacy of a Single-Session “Empowered Relief” Zoom ... - PMC
At 3 months, clinically meaningful pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) reductions were found for ER but not for WLC (ER: PCS −8.72, 42.25% reduction; WLC: PCS − ...
protocol for the national PROGRESS study | Pain Medicine
Empowered relief (ER) is a 1-session pain relief skills intervention that streamlines key evidence-based principles and skills from CBT and ...
A National Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating ...
At 8-weeks follow-up, pain catastrophizing (primary outcome) was significantly improved (p < .001), as well as secondary outcomes for pain intensity, depression ...
Empowered Relief® for Cancer Survivors With Chronic Pain
Pain Intensity, 0-10 scale, higher scores indicate higher pain, 1 month post ER ; Pain Interference, T-scores, higher scores indicate higher pain interference, 1 ...
Empowered Relief for Chronic Pain · Info for Participants
Research has shown that Empowered Relief, a method for managing pain, is generally safe and easy to handle. Studies have found that participants in Empowered ...
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