AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

Botulinum toxin A in the Treatment of Chronic Postsurgical Pain in Lung Cancer Patients: A feasibility study

Having surgery for lung cancer can save lives, but some people are left with long-lasting chest pain that is difficult to treat with standard painkillers. This trial explores whether botulinum toxin type A (using the brand Xeomin) can help relieve this ongoing pain. Botulinum toxin works by calming overactive nerves and relaxing muscles. In this early-stage study, doctors will give small injections just under the skin in the painful area of the chest wall. Because this is a 'feasibility' study, the main goal is to find out if this approach works smoothly in a hospital clinic. Researchers will see how many people choose to join, check for any side effects, and see whether patients find the injections manageable. At least 15 adults will take part. The results will help doctors decide if a larger study should be done in the future.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Aalborg University Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP)

What is this study about?

Surgery is a key treatment for lung cancer, but healing from a chest operation can take time. For some people, nerve irritation or scar tissue causes pain that lingers for months or even years. This long-term discomfort is known as chronic postsurgical pain, and normal painkillers often fail to bring lasting relief.

Researchers are investigating whether botulinum toxin type A could offer a new solution. While widely known for cosmetic uses, this medicine is also used across the NHS to treat muscle spasms, migraines, and nerve pain. In this trial, the medicine is injected just under the skin around the painful surgical area to help calm sensitive nerves and reduce pain signals.

This study is a Phase II feasibility trial involving at least 15 patients. Its main purpose is to test the practical details: whether patients are happy to join, whether the injections are well tolerated, and how easy it is to collect questionnaire results over time. Finding this out now ensures that any future, larger trials are well designed and comfortable for patients.

Key takeaways

A small study testing botulinum toxin A injections for long-term chest pain after lung cancer surgery.
Aims to check if the treatment is safe, practical, and well tolerated by patients.
Open to adults aged 18 and older with chronic post-surgery pain.
Involves injections under the skin and filling in follow-up pain questionnaires.
Participation is entirely voluntary and you can stop at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have previously had surgery for lung cancer and are now living with ongoing chest pain from the operation.

Both men and women can join. Because this study focuses specifically on pain that started after chest surgery, your doctor will need to confirm that your pain is linked to the operation rather than another medical problem.

You will also need to be able to visit the hospital for the injections and feel comfortable answering regular questions about how your pain changes over time.

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.

You are aged 18 or older.
You have previously undergone surgery for lung cancer.
You currently suffer from long-lasting chest pain linked to your surgery.
You are able to attend clinic visits for treatment and follow-up checks.
You are willing to complete questionnaires about your pain and daily life.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves attending hospital appointments where a doctor will inject small amounts of botulinum toxin A (Xeomin) just under the skin in the painful chest area. You will be monitored closely after the injections to see how you feel and to check for any immediate side effects. Over the following weeks and months, you will attend follow-up visits or phone check-ins to complete questionnaires about your pain levels, everyday activities, and general quality of life. The study team will let you know the exact schedule and total study duration before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

You might experience a reduction in your chest pain, although this cannot be guaranteed because the study is exploratory. The information you provide will also help improve pain care for future surgical patients. The injections may cause brief discomfort, bruising, mild swelling, or redness where the needle goes in. There is also a small risk of temporary muscle weakness or mild flu-like symptoms. You do not have to take part, and you are free to leave the trial at any point without it affecting your standard NHS care or your relationship with your medical team.

Locations (1)

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

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is botulinum toxin A?

It is a purified protein commonly used in medicine to relax muscles and quieten overactive nerve signals that send pain messages to the brain.

Is this the same thing as cosmetic Botox?

It is a similar type of medicine, but in this trial it is an approved medical brand called Xeomin, given specifically to target nerve pain in the chest.

Will having these injections hurt?

The injections are given using very fine needles just under the skin. You may feel a brief pinch or stinging sensation, but the doctor will try to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Does joining the study cost anything?

No. The trial medication, clinic visits, and all study tests are provided free of charge.

Can I carry on taking my usual painkillers?

Your study doctor will review all your current medicines and explain whether you can continue taking them alongside the study treatment.