Trial Outcomes & Findings for Repeat or Single Quadratus Lumborum Block for the Reduction of Opioid Prescriptions After Surgery in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Patients ("RESQU-SARC" Trial) (NCT NCT04189783)

Last Updated: 2026-01-23

Results Overview

After sarcoma surgery, our historical discharge opioid prescription was a median of 300mg oral morphine equivalents (OME) in 2016-2018, with 5% patients discharged opioid-free. The primary objective of this study was to compare 2 novel opioid-reduction bundles to increase the proportion of opioid-free patients.

Recruitment status

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

113 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

At time of discharge (median of 9 days)

Results posted on

2026-01-23

Participant Flow

84 patients underwent resection, with 43 Arm-1 (Usual care) patients and 41 Arm-2 (2nd QL-block).

29 participants were excluded from the study before assignment to arms due to screen failure, aborted surgery, discharged before 4 days after surgery or opioids free at 3rd day after surgery.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Overall Study STARTED	43	41
Overall Study COMPLETED	43	41
Overall Study NOT COMPLETED	0	0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Repeat or Single Quadratus Lumborum Block for the Reduction of Opioid Prescriptions After Surgery in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Patients ("RESQU-SARC" Trial)

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 Participants Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 Participants Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4	Total n=84 Participants Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical <=18 years	0 Participants n=270 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants	0 Participants n=9 Participants
Age, Categorical Between 18 and 65 years	27 Participants n=270 Participants	27 Participants n=4 Participants	54 Participants n=9 Participants
Age, Categorical >=65 years	16 Participants n=270 Participants	14 Participants n=4 Participants	30 Participants n=9 Participants
Age, Continuous	57 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.3 • n=270 Participants	60 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.7 • n=4 Participants	58 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 13.0 • n=9 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Female	15 Participants n=270 Participants	17 Participants n=4 Participants	32 Participants n=9 Participants
Sex: Female, Male Male	28 Participants n=270 Participants	24 Participants n=4 Participants	52 Participants n=9 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino	7 Participants n=270 Participants	5 Participants n=4 Participants	12 Participants n=9 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino	36 Participants n=270 Participants	34 Participants n=4 Participants	70 Participants n=9 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported	0 Participants n=270 Participants	2 Participants n=4 Participants	2 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native	0 Participants n=270 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants	0 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Asian	1 Participants n=270 Participants	4 Participants n=4 Participants	5 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander	0 Participants n=270 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants	0 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American	3 Participants n=270 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants	3 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) White	37 Participants n=270 Participants	36 Participants n=4 Participants	73 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race	0 Participants n=270 Participants	0 Participants n=4 Participants	0 Participants n=9 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported	2 Participants n=270 Participants	1 Participants n=4 Participants	3 Participants n=9 Participants
Region of Enrollment United States	43 participants n=270 Participants	41 participants n=4 Participants	84 participants n=9 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: At time of discharge (median of 9 days)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 Participants Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 Participants Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Initial Discharge Prescription Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME)	50 mg of Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME) Standard Deviation 444	25 mg of Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME) Standard Deviation 342

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: At time of discharge (median of 9 days)

Comparing the rate of opioid free patients at discharge between the 2 Arms

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 Participants Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 Participants Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Proportion of Participants With Discharge Prescription OME = Zero	14 Participants	19 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Scores at discharge and 1 month after the surgery

Compare the scores based on MDASI-GI between the 2 Arms. Score from 0 to 10 to define participant feelings with 0 for none and 10 for worst.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 Participants Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 Participants Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. Pain score at discharge	5 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3	4 score on a scale Standard Deviation 2
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. Pain score at 1 month	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 2	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. General activity interference at discharge	5 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3	4 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. General activity interference at 1 month	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 2	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. Interference with enjoyment of life at discharge	4 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3
Participant Reported Outcomes for Gastrointestinal Surgery- MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-GI) at Discharge and 1 Month After Surgery. Interference with enjoyment of life at 1 month	2 score on a scale Standard Deviation 2	3 score on a scale Standard Deviation 3

Adverse Events

Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care)

Serious events: 9 serious events

Other events: 6 other events

Deaths: 6 deaths

Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block)

Serious events: 10 serious events

Other events: 7 other events

Deaths: 2 deaths

Serious adverse events

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 participants at risk Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 participants at risk Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Renal and urinary disorders AKI	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders Chyle leak requiring JP drain	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Constipation, resolved w miralax	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
General disorders DVT treated with anticoagulation	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Ileus	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Prolonged ileus requiring NG placement and TPN	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations SSI requiring wound vac therapy	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations SSI, resolved w keflex	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations Superficial surgical infection	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations Urinary Tract Infection	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations UTI treated with antibiotics	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.

Additional Information

Christopher Scally, MD

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Phone: (281) 682-3314

Email: [email protected]

Results disclosure agreements

Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
Publication restrictions are in place

Measure	Arm 1, Control Arm (Usual Care) n=43 participants at risk Arm 1 was a novel bundle (single block, 3 non-opioids, 5x-multiplier).	Arm 2, Experimental Arm (2nd QL-Block) n=41 participants at risk Arm 2 was the Arm 1 plus 2nd QL-block on POD4
Blood and lymphatic system disorders Anemia requiring transfusion	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Renal and urinary disorders Bladder leak requiring drain placement	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Delayed gastric emptying requiring percutaneous gastrostomy tube	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea requiring readmission	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations Intra-abdominal abscess/sepsis requiring emergent reoperation	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Hepatobiliary disorders Pancreatic leak requiring drainage	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Hepatobiliary disorders Pancreatic leak requiring IR drain	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Partial small bowel obstruction	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Pleural effusin	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Blood and lymphatic system disorders Postoperative hemorrhage requiring reintervention	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations Postoperative infection requiring re-intervention	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	4.9% 2/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Postoperative small bowel obstruction	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Renal and urinary disorders Renal Obstruction requiring percutaneous nephrostomy	2.3% 1/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Gastrointestinal disorders Small bowel obstruction; intra-abdominal abscess	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Renal and urinary disorders Ureteral obstruction requiring stent placement	4.7% 2/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	0.00% 0/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Infections and infestations UTI treated with antibiotics	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.
Surgical and medical procedures Wound dehiscence requiring repeat operation	0.00% 0/43 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.	2.4% 1/41 • Approximately 3 years, 5 months All surgical complications for 90 days after the surgery were recorded. They were all unrelated to the QL-Block. Eight patients died during the study, and they were all unrelated to the QL-Block.