NCT07222462 A Superiority Trial of Radiofrequency Ablation for Low Back Pain
| NCT ID | NCT07222462 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Washington |
| Condition | Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 300 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-02-04 |
| Primary Completion | 2029-03 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 300 participants in total. It began in 2026-02-04 with a primary completion date of 2029-03.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The purpose of the ASTRAL Study is to evaluate the effectiveness of LRFA (Lumbar radiofrequency ablation) against a control procedure. The ASTRAL Study will enroll individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and randomly assign them to one of three groups: lumbar radiofrequency ablation using conventional electrodes placed parallel to the medial branch nerves (LRFA-C), lumbar radiofrequency ablation using multi-tined electrodes placed perpendicular to the medial branch nerves (LRFA-M), or a simulated radiofrequency ablation procedure.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years * CLBP of duration ≥ 3 months. Low back pain is defined as occurring between the lower posterior margin of the rib cage and the horizontal gluteal fold. * Low back pain intensity numerical rating scale (NRS) ≥ 4 with one of the following prior to LRFA: 1) Current low back pain intensity, 2) Average pain over past 7 days, OR 3) Pain intensity without specification of recall period * Has had conservative treatments for CLBP (physical therapy, exercise therapy, spinal manipulation, massage, acupuncture, etc.) * Candidate for unilateral LRFA (L1-S1 joints; ≤3 levels); or bilateral LRFA (L1-S1 joints; ≤2 levels) * 'Positive responses' (≥80% improvement of CLBP pain intensity) to 2 sets of anesthetic-only MBBs (≤0.5cc of local anesthetic) * Able to read, speak, and understand English sufficient for informed consent purposes * Stated willingness to comply with all study processes and availability for the duration of the study, and provision of a signed and dated informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * CLBP attributed primarily to specific spine-related conditions (radiculopathy, lumbar spinal stenosis, spinal instability), 'red flag' conditions (infection / malignancy / fracture), and/or inflammatory arthritis (RA, SpA, etc.) * Prior LRFA * Prior lumbar facet joint (intra-articular or medial branch nerve) corticosteroid injections (past 6 months) * Surgery involving one or more of spinal levels where LRFA is to be performed, in the past 2 years * Lumbar fusion involving the spinal levels where LRFA is considered, at any time * Prior known severe lumbar central canal stenosis on MRI as defined by Lee (2011): obliteration of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and marked compression of dural sac, and none of the cauda equina can be visually separated from each other. No new MRIs would be done specifically as part of the study processes. * Prior formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist (diagnosis by primary care physician or pain medicine specialist is not sufficient) * Unstable psychiatric or terminal medical conditions that would limit study participation and the likelihood of follow-up for 12 months post-randomization * Pregnancy, being a prisoner, or having a prior formal diagnosis of cognitive impairment by a neuropsychologist or neurologist, confirmed by health record documentation * Participant report of prior formal diagnosis of cognitive impairment by a neuropsychologist or neurologist can be obtained, but participant-reported cognitive impairment by a neuropsychologist or neurologist must be confirmed via health record documentation. No new evaluations for cognitive impairment would be done specifically as part of the study processes. * Contraindication to local anesthetic, corticosteroid, or any aspects of LRFA * Cannot reach MBB targets with 11.9cm needle * Major planned life events over the next 4 months that might interfere with study participation (e.g., major abdominal or chest surgery or extended vacation)
Contact & Investigator
Pradeep Suri, MD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07222462 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07222462 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07222462 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at astralstudy@uw.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07222462 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Atlanta, United States, Cleveland, United States, Salt Lake City, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07222462 clinical trial?
NCT07222462 is sponsored by University of Washington. The principal investigator is Pradeep Suri, MD at University of Washington. The trial plans to enroll 300 participants.