Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) is a method used to objectively measure sensory perception, including pain, in response to various stimuli (e.g., heat, cold, pressure). Incorporating QST into your clinical trial provides reliable and standardised measurements of sensory function, allowing for more accurate assessment of pain-related conditions.
Pain Services
QST can facilitate precise assessments of sensory nerve function and pain thresholds for Phase I clinical drug trials. At The Science Behind, we utilise cutting-edge technology to deliver controlled thermal stimulation for comprehensive QST protocols. Our services are designed to meet the rigorous demands of clinical investigations, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and versatility.
Pain Threshold vs Pain Tolerance
QST measures parameters such as pain threshold, the point at which a person first perceives a stimulus, and pain tolerance, the maximum level of pain a person can endure before seeking relief or withdrawing from the stimulus.
Understanding the difference between pain threshold and pain tolerance helps characterise pain sensitivity and resilience in individuals.
Measuring Pain
Heat and cold stimuli are commonly used in QST to assess thermal pain perception. Participants are exposed to controlled temperatures, and their pain responses are measured. Data collected on participants pain thresholds and tolerances, which can be analysed statistically to determine treatment effects or disease progression.
Clinical Applications
QST allows for objective assessment of pain response, monitoring of treatment efficacy and identification of biomarkers for pain related conditions.
Benefits of including pain assessments in first in human clinical drug trials:
Evaluation the potential side effects.
Pain can be a common adverse reaction to new medications, and monitoring pain levels allows Sponsors to identify any unexpected or severe pain related adverse events early in the drug development process.
Valuable information for dose optimisation.
By monitoring pain responses at different dose levels, Sponsors can determine the most effective and tolerable dose range for the drug, maximising its therapeutic benefits while minimising adverse effects.
Primary or Secondary Endpoint.
For drugs targeting pain related conditions, such as analgesics or medications for chronic pain management, assessing pain relief is essential for demonstrating the drugs effectiveness in proving patient outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat and cold stimuli are commonly used in QST to assess thermal pain perception. Participants are exposed to controlled temperatures, and their pain responses are measured. This data is essential for determining treatment effects, understanding disease progression, and evaluating the efficacy of pain-related treatments.
QST allows for objective assessment of pain response, monitoring of treatment efficacy, and identification of biomarkers for pain-related conditions. It provides precise information on sensory nerve function and pain thresholds, which are critical for evaluating the impact of new drugs and treatments in clinical trials.
We utilise cutting-edge technology to deliver controlled thermal stimulation as part of our comprehensive QST protocols. Our services are designed to meet the rigorous demands of clinical investigations, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and versatility in pain assessments.
What to Know More?
Contact us to find out how the application of QST measures can benefit your Phase I clinical trial.
Our team of experts is ready to provide detailed information and assist you in designing effective and comprehensive pain assessment protocols for your study.