Research
May 2, 2023 • 2 Min

Chemo and SBRT for Inoperable Pancreatic Cancer

altered photo of bottles in teal and aqua

Hans Splinter; Flickr

Can high-dose radiation treatment after standard chemotherapy improve survival rates for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed surgically?

In addition to seeking out new treatments for pancreatic cancer, clinicians constantly strive to make the most of existing options, and to test the benefits of combined strategies.

In this phase II study, researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a traditional chemotherapy regimen plus a targeted, high-dose radiation treatment in slowing or stopping the progression of pancreatic cancer.  

What Is SBRT?

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) uses 3D or 4D imaging and highly focused radiation beams to send high doses of radiation to the area to be treated. SBRT is more precise than standard radiation treatment and so patients can be given higher doses over shorter periods of time with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

To Join the Trial

This trial is for patients with borderline resectable (surgically removable) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who have not had any prior treatment. Participants will receive chemotherapy with modified FOLFIRINOX, followed by SBRT.

Researchers will compare CT scans after the treatment with control scans from patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (with or without radiation) to evaluate patient responses to SBRT. They will also assess progression-free and overall survival rates, rates of recurrence, and any toxicities experienced.

We encourage you to consult your physicians for clinical trials that may be right for you. The website ClinicalTrials.gov provides more details about this trial as well as many others. You can visit the EmergingMed Trial Finder for a list of all active pancreatic cancer clinical trials.

What new treatments and clinical trials are available to me?

Learn more