Brief telehealth psychological support during pre-surgery (neoadjuvant) treatment for localized pancreatic cancer

Testing the Feasibility of Incorporating Psychosocial Oncology During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center · NCT07124611

We will try weekly 40-minute telehealth sessions with a psychologist to reduce stress and improve quality of life for people with localized pancreatic cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Columbus, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT07124611 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center intervention enrolls adults with newly diagnosed localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who plan to start neoadjuvant therapy. Participants receive one 40-minute telehealth session per week with a psychologist for four weeks, alongside standard referrals for nutritional and physical therapy. The study will measure feasibility and acceptability and collect preliminary data on quality of life and stress/anxiety outcomes. Patients with metastatic disease, those unlikely to undergo surgery, or who have already received two or more chemotherapy cycles are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) newly diagnosed with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who plan to start neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation and present to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed or presumed metastatic disease, those unlikely to undergo surgical resection after neoadjuvant therapy, people who have already received two or more chemotherapy cycles, prisoners, or those unable to consent are not eligible and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce anxiety and improve quality of life during pre-surgery treatment, helping patients better tolerate therapy and prepare for surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Related psychosocial and prehabilitation programs in other cancer populations have shown reductions in distress and improvements in quality of life, but few studies have tested brief telehealth psychological interventions specifically during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥ 18 years of age
* Patient:

  * Newly diagnosed patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presenting to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center-Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUMC-CCC)
  * Plans to initiate neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection
  * Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) and/or surgery may occur at another facility

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prisoners
* Persons unable to provide consent
* Patients unlikely to undergo surgical resection following NT based on anatomical or performance status considerations
* Confirmed or presumed metastatic disease
* Already received ≥ 2 cycles of chemotherapy

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio

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 Localized Pancreatic Ductal AdenocarcinomaStage 0 Pancreatic Cancer AJCC v8Stage I Pancreatic Cancer AJCC v8Stage IIA Pancreatic Cancer AJCC v8
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.