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Painless Chronic PancreatitisPCPNCT07074379

Endotherapy and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy for Painless Chronic Pancreatitis

A study testing Lifestyle modifications and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in people with Painless Chronic Pancreatitis, run by Changhai Hospital at 1 site in China.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is caused by factors such as genetics and the environment, leading to the destruction of pancreatic tissue, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and progressive fibrosis of the pancreas. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 85 years
Conditions the study is for
Painless Chronic Pancreatitis
What is being tested?
Lifestyle modifications and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
126 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
21 Jul 2025to 1 Jul 2037
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 85 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 18-85 years.
  • Diagnosed with painless chronic pancreatitis.
  • No prior history of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment.
  • Stone(s) in the cephalic or corporeal portion of the main pancreatic duct with upstream duct dilation

Who cannot join

  • Presence of complications requiring endoscopic or surgical intervention, such as pancreatic pseudocysts, benign biliary strictures, pancreatic fistulas, or pancreatic portal hypertension.
  • Autoimmune pancreatitis.
  • Suspected malignancy.
  • History of pancreatic surgery or gastrointestinal bypass surgery (e.g., Billroth II procedure).
  • End-stage disease.
  • Pregnancy or lactation.
  • Contraindications to ESWL or ERCP.
  • Refusal to provide informed consent.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Changhai Hospital

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200433

    Zhao-Shen Li, M.D., +8613901960921, zhaoshen-li@hotmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Endotherapy and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Versus Conservative Treatment in Painless Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is caused by factors such as genetics and the environment, leading to the destruction of pancreatic tissue, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and progressive fibrosis of the pancreas. As the disease progresses, pancreatic tissue is damaged, resulting in impaired endocrine and exocrine functions, manifesting as symptoms like steatorrhea and diabetes. Pain associated with chronic pancreatitis (PACP) is the most common symptom in CP patients. Approximately 75% of patients initially present with abdominal pain, and previous studies have shown that PACP can occur in 85-97% of CP patients. However, there is a type of pancreatitis where patients do not experience abdominal pain and typically seek medical attention due to routine check-ups or symptoms of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine dysfunction; this particular type of pancreatitis is known as painless CP. A meta-analysis showed that painless CP accounts for about 12% of all CP patients.

In patients with CP, continuous pancreatic damage leads to the destruction of pancreatic tissue, subsequently causing insufficiency in both exocrine and endocrine functions. "Painless" does not equate to "harmless"; patients with painless CP often present with severe symptoms of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine dysfunction at the time of diagnosis. These findings underscore the importance of early identification and active management of patients with painless CP.

Read more

Whether active endoscopic intervention is needed for painless CP remains a matter of debate. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) suggests endoscopic therapy and/or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) as the first-line therapy for painful uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis (CP) with an obstructed main pancreatic duct (MPD) in the head/ body of the pancreas; however, due to the unclear potential benefits (preservation of pancreatic function) of endoscopic and/or ESWL treatment for painless CP, it is not recommended for patients without pain, although the evidence is of low quality.

Although there is currently no consensus on whether endoscopic treatment can protect the pancreatic function of patients with painless chronic pancreatitis, preliminary evidence suggests that endoscopic treatment may have a positive impact on pancreatic atrophy and dysfunction in patients with painless CP. In a retrospective study by Ikeura et al., which included 268 patients with CP and painless pancreatic duct stones, it was found that endoscopic treatment and complete clearance of stones in patients with painless pancreatic duct stones helped maintain the volume of the pancreatic parenchyma.

Although preliminary research suggests that endoscopic treatment may protect pancreatic function in patients with painless CP, it could also trigger pain. A study by Ikeura et al. found that painless CP patients who underwent endoscopic treatment but did not have complete clearance of pancreatic duct stones were at a significantly higher risk of developing pain. This indicates that incomplete endoscopic treatment might lead patients from a painless state to one of pain. However, a study by Amodio et al. suggests that the likelihood of painless CP patients experiencing pain in the short term is low, implying that conservative treatment might be more appropriate.

Current research on the clinical characteristics of painless CP and its response to treatment is relatively limited, necessitating further clinical studies to clarify the impact of ERCP and/or ESWL on these patients. We plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial to assess whether these minimally invasive interventions can improve clinical outcomes for patients with painless CP

Read the detailed description

This is a randomized controlled trial comparing endotherapy combined with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) versus conservative management in participants with painless chronic pancreatitis. A total of 126 eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to either the endotherapy-plus-ESWL arm or the conservative-treatment arm. The primary endpoint will be evaluated at 1-year follow-up. And participants will enter long-term follow-up up to 10 years post-randomization.

Being tested
Lifestyle modifications, Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and glycemic control therapy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Lifestyle modificationsBehavioural

    Lifestyle modifications primarily include quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as engaging in physical exercise.

  • Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and glycemic control therapyDrug

    This intervention involves the use of medications to control the pancreatic exocrine and endocrine dysfunction caused by chronic pancreatitis.

    1. Pancreatic enzyme therapy: Patients will use pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin enteric-coated capsules or oryz-aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets) to control the symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
    2. Diabetes treatment: Patients with diabetes will also use antidiabetic medications (such as oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, depending on glycemic control needs).
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)Procedure or surgery

    This intervention involves the application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). The procedures are tailored to the individual patient's condition, which may include sphincterotomy, dilation of pancreatic duct strictures, stone extraction, stent placement and other interventions as indicated. ESWL may be used prior to ERCP to fragment pancreatic duct stones, facilitating their removal.

Study groups in NCT07074379
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Endotherapy and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy GroupExperimentalParticipants in this arm will undergo a comprehensive treatment approach that includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and procedural therapies including ERCP and/or extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). 1. For main pancreatic duct strictures persisting after initial single plastic stent placement for one year, multiple stents or surgery may be considered. 2. During follow-up, if pancreatic pain or acute pancreatitis occurs, a multidisciplinary team will assess attack frequency and clinical severity and decide whether repeat minimally invasive therapy is indicated. 3. If CP-related complications (including pancreatic pseudocyst, biliary stricture, pancreatic portal hypertension, pancreatic fistula, etc.) occur and meet intervention indications, endoscopic or surgical intervention will be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines 4. Surgery will be performed for mass-forming chronic pancreatitis with inconclusive diagnosis.
Receives: Behavioral: Lifestyle modifications; Drug: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and glycemic control therapy; Procedure: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Conservative Treatment GroupActive comparatorThis arm includes participants who will receive standard conservative management for painless chronic pancreatitis. 1. The treatment regimen comprises lifestyle modification and medications to manage symptoms of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine insufficiency, such as pancreatic enzyme supplements and medications for diabetes management (e.g., oral hypoglycemics or insulin). 2. During follow-up, if pancreatic pain or acute pancreatitis occurs, a multidisciplinary team will assess attack frequency and clinical severity and decide whether minimally invasive therapy is indicated. 3. If CP-related complications (including pancreatic pseudocyst, biliary stricture, pancreatic portal hypertension, pancreatic fistula, etc.) occur and meet intervention indications, endoscopic or surgical intervention will be performed in accordance with clinical guidelines 4. Surgery will be performed for mass-forming chronic pancreatitis with inconclusive diagnosis.
Receives: Behavioral: Lifestyle modifications; Drug: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and glycemic control therapy

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Acute Pancreatitis Incidence

    The incidence of acute pancreatitis assessed by Revised Atlanta Classification over a 12-month period following randomization.

    Measured: 12 months

Secondary outcomes (22)
  1. Severity of Acute Pancreatitis

    The severity of acute pancreatitis episodes that occur within 12 months post randomization. Severity will be graded according to the Atlanta Classification criteria, which categorizes pancreatitis into mild, moderate, and severe based on clinical and imaging findings.

    Measured: 12 months

  2. Incidence and Severity of Pancreatic Pain

    The incidence and severity of pancreatic pain over a 12-month period. Pain severity will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where patients rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain).

    Measured: 12 months

  3. Number of Acute Pancreatitis Episodes

    Measured: 12 months

  4. Number of pancreatic pain episodes

    Measured: 12 months

  5. Fecal Elastase-1 Level

    This outcome assesses pancreatic exocrine function by measuring fecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels

    Measured: 12 months

  6. Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level

    This outcome measure evaluates the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycosylated, reflecting the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is a key indicator of long-term glycose level in patients.

    Measured: 12 months

  7. Fasting Blood Glucose Level

    This outcome measure assesses the level of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. Fasting glucose is a standard test for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring diabetes control. It provides a snapshot of the body's ability to manage glucose without the influence of food.

    Measured: 12 months

  8. Fasting C-Peptide Concentration

    This outcome measure determines the concentration of C-peptide in the blood during a fasting state. C-peptide is a byproduct of insulin production and provides an index of endogenous insulin secretion. It is useful for assessing insulin production capacity.

    Measured: 12 months

  9. Fasting Insulin Concentration

    Measured: 12 months

  10. C-peptide Area Under the Curve (AUC) Post MMTT

    This outcome measures the total exposure to C-peptide over the first 2 hours following a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT). The AUC is calculated using Riemann sums based on the midpoint of each interval (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). This metric is crucial for assessing the overall insulin secretion capacity of the islets.

    Measured: 12 months

  11. Glucose Area Under the Curve (AUC) Post MMTT

    This outcome assesses the total glucose exposure over the first 2 hours following a Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (MMTT). The AUC is determined using Riemann sums based on the midpoint of each interval (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). This metric is essential for evaluating the body's glucose handling ability and the effectiveness of glucose control.

    Measured: 12 months

  12. Insulin Area Under the Curve (AUC) Post MMTT

    This outcome measures the total insulin exposure over the first 2 hours following a Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (MMTT). The AUC is calculated using Riemann sums based on the midpoint of each interval (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). This metric is vital for assessing the overall insulin secretion response to a meal and the effectiveness of insulin production.

    Measured: 12 months

  13. Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)

    The HOMA-IR is calculated from fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels obtained during the MMTT. It provides an estimate of insulin resistance and is calculated using the formula: HOMA-IR= (fasting glucose × fasting insulin)/405. This index is crucial for understanding the body's insulin sensitivity.

    Measured: 12 months

  14. Homeostatic Model Assessment of β-cell Function (HOMA-b)

    HOMA-b is determined by the formula HOMA b = (fasting insulin × 360)/(fasting glucose - 63) to assess insulin secretion. It provides an estimate of the β-cell function in response to fasting glucose levels.

    Measured: 12 months

  15. Insulinogenic Index Post MMTT

    The insulinogenic index is a measure of the early insulin response to a glucose challenge, calculated as (Δinsulin30-0min / Δglucose30-0min). It reflects the capacity of the β-cells to secrete insulin in response to a rise in blood glucose levels.

    Measured: 12 months

  16. C-peptide Secretion Index Post MMTT

    This index is calculated by replacing insulin with C-peptide in the insulinogenic index formula, i.e., (ΔC-peptide30-0min / Δglucose30-0min). It serves as a measure of the early C-peptide response to a glucose challenge, providing information about the secretory capacity of the islets.

    Measured: 12 months

  17. Disposition Index for C-peptide

    The disposition index for C-peptide is calculated as (ΔC-peptide30-0min / Δglucose30-0min) × (1 / fasting C-peptide). It represents the ratio of insulin or C-peptide secretion to sensitivity and is an important indicator of the overall β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

    Measured: 12 months

  18. Rate of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency

    Derived outcome based on fecal elastase-1 measurement

    Measured: 12 months

  19. Rate of Pancreatic Endocrine Insufficiency

    Derived endocrine functional status based on fasting glucose, HbA1c and mixed-meal tolerance test.

    Measured: 12 months

  20. Change of Pancreatic Exocrine and Endocrine Function Status From Baseline

    Categorical change in pancreatic functional status relative to baseline: persistent insufficiency, new-onset insufficiency, resolution of pre-existing insufficiency, persistently normal pancreatic function.

    Measured: 12 months

  21. Rate of Disease Progression

    Proportion of participants with new-onset chronic-pancreatitis-related complications, including pancreatic pseudocysts, benign biliary strictures, pancreatic fistulas, pancreatic portal hypertension, and other related complications

    Measured: 12 months

  22. Quality of Life Assessed by SF-36

    This outcome evaluates the quality of life (QoL) of patients with painless chronic pancreatitis at two time points: at baseline (time of hospital admission) and at 12 months post-randomization. The assessment is conducted using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), a widely recognized and validated tool that measures health-related quality of life across eight dimensions: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, and mental health. The SF-36 provides a comprehensive overview of how the condition and treatment affect the patients' overall well-being and daily functioning.

    Measured: 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Jul 2025
  2. Study start21 Jul 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Dec 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Jul 2037 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
126 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07074379
Sponsor's protocol ID
CHEC2025-268
Other IDs
CHEC2026-307
Acronym
PCP
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
29 Jun 2025
Last updated
23 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Lifestyle modifications and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and/or Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) in people with Painless Chronic Pancreatitis, run by Changhai Hospital at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Zhao-Shen Li (+8613901960921, zhaoshen-li@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Acute Pancreatitis Incidence (time frame: 12 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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