EPPIC: Easing Pelvic Pain Interventions Clinical Research Program

The EPPIC study is looking at new ways to help people with Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS), which includes conditions like Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome) and Chronic Prostatitis (Chronic Pain). This study tests two approaches: Minimal Contact-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Patient Education/Support. Both are 4-session, mostly home-based treatments designed to help you manage symptoms and understand your condition better. To join, you should be between 18 and 70 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of IC/BPS or CP/CPPS, and have had pelvic pain for at least six months that is at least moderately severe. The study aims to see if these treatments improve your overall condition, measured 12 weeks after starting. The current status of this study is unclear, and it plans to enroll 240 participants.

Study design: This interventional study plans to enroll 240 participants. It compares two behavioral treatments: Minimal Contact-Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Patient Education/Support.
What's involved: You would participate in 4 largely home-based sessions for either Minimal Contact-Cognitive Behavior Therapy or Patient Education/Support.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Your progress will be measured 12 weeks after your initial assessment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

EPPIC: Easing Pelvic Pain Interventions Clinical Research Program

Recruiting

NAAges 18–70InterventionalTreatment

State University of New York at Buffalo

~240 participants

Updated 2026-01-26 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Minimal Contact-Cognitive Behavior TherapyPatient Education/Support

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement Scale Patient Version (CGI-I)

Measured over 12 weeks after pre-treatment baseline

Conditions

Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (UCPPS)

Interstitial Cystitis

Bladder Pain Syndrome

Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic Pain

Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic Overlapping Pain Disorders

Where it's being run

3 sites across 3 states

California1

Michigan1

New York1

Study leadership

Jeffrey Lackner, PsyD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Who to contact

Jeffrey Lackner, PsyD

[email protected]

716-898-5671

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Ages 18-70 years (inclusive)

Male or female

All genders, races, ethnic groups

MD-confirmed diagnosis of IC/BPS or CP/CPPS by study urologist or urogynecologist

Pelvic pain including uncomfortable sensations of pressure or discomfort that are not described as outright pain) of at least six months duration

Pelvic pain intensity of at least moderate severity (defined as 3 or greater on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale and causes life interference weekly and limit(s) participant's life or work-related activities, general activity level, and/or enjoyment of life) over the past 3 months.

Ability to understand and provide informed consent

Either not taking medications or if taking medications willing to refrain from starting new medications until after the initial 2-week pre-treatment baseline period ends unless medically necessary.

A minimum 6th grade reading level based on the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT 4)

Willing to be randomized to either CBT or Support/Education and to follow the protocol to which s/he has been assigned

Willing to be contacted for follow up assessments at week 12 and 3, 6 months after treatment ends

Willing to attend sessions

Able to maintain symptom diaries and complete paper work

Access to telephone and computer or smartphone

Willing and able to provide adequate information for locator purposes

Exclusion

Presence of a neurological condition (e.g., MS, Parkinson's disease, paraplegia) affecting the bladder

The presence of a symptomatic urethral stricture (males only)

History of cystitis caused by tuberculosis or radiation or chemotherapies

Participant has been diagnosed and treated for a pelvic-related malignancy (colon, bladder, prostate, ovarian, endometrial, uterine, testicular, penile, cervical, vaginal, or rectal cancer)

Participant has a medical condition(s) whose nature or severity (unstable, life threatening, etc.) would influence adversely the conduct of the clinical trial, confound interpretation of study results, and/or compromise volunteer safety and engagement with study demands.

Gross cognitive impairment, deafness, blindness, vision problems (severe), hearing problems (severe)

Has a major psychiatric disorder which would impede conduct of the clinical study. These clinical disorders would include but are not limited to major depression with a high risk of suicidal behavior (i.e. intent or plan), current or recent (within the past 3 months) history of alcohol or substance abuse/dependence, a lifetime history of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder; or organic mental disorder

Current involvement in psychotherapy directed specifically toward relief of urological symptoms

Schedule does not permit participation in clinic sessions or home practice including plans to move out of the area, lack of reliable transportation, etc.

Characteristics related to inability to complete the study protocol

Unable to read or fluently speak English

Inability to complete screening visits

Inaccessible for interventions and/or follow up evaluations

What this trial measures

Clinical Global Impressions - Improvement Scale Patient Version (CGI-I)12 weeks after pre-treatment baseline
Widely used measure of global improvement of symptoms from baseline. To optimize rigor, clinician version by independent MD assessors "blind" to treatment assignment will also measure global severity of pelvic pain and urinary symptoms from baseline and validate patient-reported global improvement as a marker of clinical response. Global improvement is a core domain recommended for conducting clinical trials of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatments for chronic pain according to Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT)

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