Design and execution of sham-controlled endoscopic trials in acute pancreatitis: Lessons learned from the SHARP trial

Using the ongoing NIDDK-funded multicenter randomized clinical trial, Sphincterotomy for Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis (SHARP) as an example, this article discusses the rationale and key aspects of study design that need to be considered when conducting a clinical trial of endoscopic therapy in acute pancreatitis. SHARP, the first trial using a sham ERCP in the placebo group, is designed to address decades long controversy in clinical pancreatology, i.e. whether minor papilla sphincterotomy benefits patients with idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis who also have pancreas divisum. Although the trial has already enrolled and randomized over 5 times the number of subjects enrolled in the only ran-domized trial in this area published in 1992 (107 vs. 19), recruitment has been challenging and we are at similar to 46% of target recruitment. The review discusses the challenges in the execution of the trial and stra-tegies the SHARP team has used to address these, which investigators planning or considering treatment trials in pancreatitis may find helpful. It will also inform the general gastroenterologists the importance of discussing and referring potentially eligible subjects to centers participating in clinical trials. Devel-oping evidence-based treatment will provide a solid scientific basis for physicians to recommend evidence-based treatments for pancreatitis. (c) 2022 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Using the SHARP trial as an example, this article discusses the rationale and key aspects of study design for clinical trials of endoscopic therapy in acute pancreatitis. The challenges in recruitment and strategies used by the SHARP team are highlighted, providing valuable insights for investigators planning similar trials. The development of evidence-based treatments will facilitate physicians in recommending effective treatments for pancreatitis.