Aerosolized Nanoliposomal Irinotecan for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Gastrointestinal Cancer

Intraperitoneal Aerosolized Nanoliposomal Irinotecan (Nal-IRI) in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis From Gastrointestinal Cancer: a Phase I Study

Phase 1 Interventional University Hospital, Ghent · NCT05277766

This study is testing a new way to deliver a cancer drug directly to the abdomen to see if it helps people with advanced gastrointestinal cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Ghent, East-Flanders)
Trial IDNCT05277766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of aerosolized nanoliposomal irinotecan (Nal-IRI) delivered via pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis stemming from gastrointestinal cancers. It is a phase I dose-finding study aimed at determining the maximum tolerated dose of Nal-IRI while assessing its pharmacokinetics and potential clinical benefits. The trial focuses on patients with extensive or irresectable peritoneal metastases, who often experience severe symptoms and poor prognosis. By utilizing a novel delivery method, the study seeks to improve drug efficacy and patient outcomes compared to traditional systemic chemotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with biopsy-proven gastrointestinal cancers and extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis who have a life expectancy of more than six months.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving systemic treatment with irinotecan or those with significant ascites may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance treatment options and quality of life for patients suffering from peritoneal carcinomatosis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using PIPAC have shown promise in treating peritoneal metastases, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Biopsy proven cancer of the pancreas, gallbladder or biliary tract, stomach, small bowel, colon, rectum, or appendix with extensive or irresectable peritoneal carcinomatosis
* Estimated life expectancy \> 6 months; \> 3 months if primary cancer is pancreatic
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Adequate performance status (Karnofsky index \> 60% and WHO performance status \< 2)
* Written informed consent obtained prior any act of the research

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concomitant systemic (IV) treatment with irinotecan (either as monotherapy or as part of a combination regimen such as FOLFIRI, CAPIRI, or FOLFOXIRI)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the clinical study
* Patients of childbearing age unable or unwilling to provide effective contraception during the study and until the end of relevant exposure (extended by 30 days (female participants) or 120 days (male participants) since the IMP is genotoxic).
* Known allergy or intolerance to irinotecan
* Significant amount of ascites detectable (exceeding 3l in volume)
* Intestinal or urinary tract obstruction
* Extensive hepatic and/or extra-abdominal metastatic disease
* Impaired renal function (serum creatinine \> 1.5 mg/dl or calculated GFR (CKD-EPI) \< 60 mL/min/1.73 m²
* Impaired liver function (serum total bilirubin \> 1.5 mg/dl, except for known Gilbert's disease)
* Platelet count \< 100.000/µl
* Hemoglobin \< 9g/dl
* Neutrophil granulocytes \< 1.500/ml
* Patients known to use:

  * CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenobarbital, St John's wort)
  * inhibitors of CYP3A4 (clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, lopinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, voriconazole) or UGT1A1 (atazanavir, gemfibrozil, indinavir, regorafenib)

Where this trial is running

Ghent, East-Flanders

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Peritoneal CarcinomatosisPeritoneal MetastasesColorectal CancerSmall Bowel CancerAppendix CancerGastric CancerPancreatic CancerBile Duct Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.