Combining chemotherapy with irreversible electroporation for advanced pancreatic cancer
Official title: Chemotherapy and Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Run by University of Louisville · NCT03484299 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if combining a special treatment called irreversible electroporation with chemotherapy can help people with advanced pancreatic cancer feel better and manage their disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Louisville Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Louisville, Kentucky) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 30, 2018 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03484299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with stage III pancreatic cancer and measurable tumors.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently participating in another cancer treatment trial or those with certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase II clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of irreversible electroporation (IRE) combined with either FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine in patients diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Participants will undergo IRE as a treatment method, followed by chemotherapy as a peri-ablation treatment. The study will assess how well these combinations work in managing the disease and the side effects experienced by patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of IRE with chemotherapy is being explored, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * greater than or equal to 18 years of age * diagnosed with stage III pancreatic cancer * tumor is measurable * GFR \> mL/min/1.73m2 * willing and able to comply with protocol requirements * AST/ALT \>3 times upper limit of normal * stable surgical post-operative course as defined by operative surgeon Exclusion Criteria: * participating in another clinical trial for the treatment of cancer at the time of screening * pregnant or currently breast feeding * have a cardiac pacemaker or ICD implanted that cannot be deactivated during IRE procedure * have non-removable implants with metal parts within 1 cm of the target lesion * had a myocardial infarction within 3 months prior to enrollment
Where it's running
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University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert Martin, MD, PhD — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Robert Martin, MD, PhD
- Email: robert.martin@louisville.edu
- Phone: 502-629-3355
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.