Below are examples of pancreatic cancer trials being conducted by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology:
A021501: This randomized phase II trial studies how well combination chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX) with or without hypofractionated radiation therapy before surgery works in patients with pancreatic cancer that can be removed by surgery. Drugs used in combination chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and irinotecan hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Hypofractionated radiation therapy delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. It is not yet known if combination chemotherapy is more effective with or without hypofractionated radiation therapy before surgery in treating patients with pancreatic cancer.
A021806: This phase III trial compares perioperative chemotherapy (given before and after surgery) versus adjuvant chemotherapy (given after surgery) for the treatment of pancreatic cancer that can be removed by surgery (removable/resectable). Chemotherapy drugs, such as fluorouracil, irinotecan, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving chemotherapy before and after surgery (perioperatively) may work better in treating patients with pancreatic cancer compared to giving chemotherapy after surgery (adjuvantly).
A021101: This pilot clinical trial studies combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery followed by gemcitabine hydrochloride in treating patients with pancreatic cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, irinotecan hydrochloride, leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and gemcitabine hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy before surgery may make the tumor smaller and reduce the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed. Giving chemotherapy after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery.
These trials represent a sample of the pancreatic cancer research being conducted by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. They highlight the diversity of approaches being used to improve the treatment and outcomes for patients with this challenging disease.
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and their pancreatic cancer trials by visiting their website at https://www.allianceforclinicaltrialsinoncology.org/.