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Chronic Pancreatitis Pain
Research Study

Chronic pancreatitis can cause long-term pain that is often difficult to manage with current treatments such as pain medications, diet changes, and avoiding triggers. Researchers are exploring whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing, could improve pain in people with chronic pancreatitis. This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of MSC infusions compared to a placebo and aims to determine whether MSC treatment can reduce pain and opioid use in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

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Fast Facts

Diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis

 Ongoing pancreas pain for 6+ months

Compensation
up to $375

Conducted in-person at MUSC

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Additional Information

This study is being conducted to better understand chronic pancreatitis pain and to explore whether mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy can improve pain control, reduce opioid use, and improve quality of life for people living with chronic pancreatitis.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis
  • Ongoing pancreas pain for 6+ months
  • No recent pancreatitis-related hospitalization, surgery, or procedure in the past 3 months
  • Ages 18-75
Overall Duration

This study lasts up to 7 months. Participants will complete a screening visit, a baseline infusion visit, and follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the infusion.

 
In-Lab Activities

Participants will attend study visits at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

 
Screening Visit

During the screening visit, participants will:

  • Review their medical history with the study team
  • Have a physical exam
  • Have blood drawn for lab testing
  • Complete pain and health questionnaires
  • Have an MRI scan if one has not been completed within the past 6 months

The study team will review these results to determine eligibility.

 
Baseline Infusion Visit

If eligible, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either:

  • A mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion, or
  • A placebo infusion (inactive substance)

Neither the participant nor the study doctor will know which treatment was given.

 
Follow-Up Visits

Participants will return for follow-up visits at:

  • 1 month after infusion
  • 3 months after infusion
  • 6 months after infusion

At each visit, participants will:

  • Have blood drawn
  • Complete questionnaires about pain, symptoms, and medication use
  • Have their chronic pancreatitis condition evaluated by the study team

No video or audio recordings will be collected as part of this study.

 
At-Home Activities

Participants may be asked to:

  • Track their pain symptoms and opioid medication use between visits
  • Continue their usual medical care for chronic pancreatitis
  • Avoid alcohol or other pancreatitis triggers as recommended by their healthcare provider

There are no app-based tasks or daily remote study activities required.

In return for your time, effort, and travel expenses, you will be paid $100 for each of study visits 1 and 2, $50 for each of study visits 3 and 4, and $75 for study visit 5, for a total of up to $375 if all visits are completed. Travel reimbursement may also be provided to help cover transportation costs to and from study visits.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.

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