Combining tumor treating fields with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer

Clinical Study of Tumor Treating Fields Combined with Gemcitabine and Albumin-bound Paclitaxel in the First-line Treatment of Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

This study is testing if combining a new treatment called tumor treating fields with standard chemotherapy can help people with advanced pancreatic cancer feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 3
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 512 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Jiangsu Healthy Life Innovation Medical Technology Co., Ltd (Industry-sponsored)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, prednisone
• Locations: 5 sites (Harbin, Heilongjiang and 4 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05653453 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of using tumor treating fields in conjunction with gemcitabine and albumin-bound paclitaxel for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The study aims to determine if this combination can improve treatment outcomes compared to standard chemotherapy alone. Participants will receive the combined treatment and be monitored for efficacy and safety over the course of the trial. The trial is designed for patients who have specific types of locally advanced pancreatic tumors without distant metastasis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 75 with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma and an expected survival time of at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastasis or those whose tumors are not classified as locally advanced pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment approach could provide a new effective option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific combination of treatments is novel, similar approaches using tumor treating fields have shown promise in other cancer types.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects aged between 18 and 75 (including 18 and 75) of both genders;
2. Expected survival time ≥3 months;
3. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma confirmed by histology/cytology;
4. Locally advanced lesions meeting any of the following criteria without distant metastasis: ① Pancreatic head and neck tumors: a. The tumor invaded the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) more than 180°; b. The tumor invaded the celiac trunk more than 180°; c. Unresectable reconstruction of superior mesenteric vein or portal vein due to tumor invasion or embolism (tumor thrombus or thrombus); d. The tumor extensively invaded the distal jejunal drainage branch of the superior mesenteric vein. ② Pancreatic body/tail tumor: a. The tumor invaded the superior mesenteric artery or celiac trunk more than 180°; b. Celiac trunk and abdominal aorta involvement; c. The superior mesenteric vein or portal vein cannot be resected and reconstructed due to tumor invasion or embolism (tumor thrombus or thrombus).
5. At least one measurable lesion according to revised RECIST version 1.1;
6. ECOG score 0-1;
7. Be able to receive gemcitabine for injection and paclitaxel for injection (albumin-bound) combined therapy according to medical advice;
8. Able to operate tumor treating fields independently or with the help of nursing staff;
9. AE should be restored to normal or CTCAE1 grade after previous treatment;
10. The serum pregnancy test results of female subjects of reproductive age were negative. Female subjects of reproductive age agree to use effective contraception (e.g. hormonal or barrier methods or abstinence) during the study period and for 6 months after the last dose of chemotherapy drugs;
11. Male subjects agree to use effective birth control (such as barrier method or abstinence) and not to donate sperm during the study and within 3 months after the last chemotherapy drug administration;
12. Voluntarily sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The subjects has previously received first-line treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma;
2. Subjects with contraindications to treatment with gemcitabine for injection and/or paclitaxel for injection (albumin-bound) or known severe allergies to gemcitabine for injection and/or paclitaxel for injection (albumin-bound);
3. Patients had cancer requiring other antitumor therapy within 2 years before enrollment, excluding treated stage I prostate cancer, cervical cancer in situ, breast cancer in situ, and non-melanoma skin cancer;
4. Abnormal bone marrow, heart, liver and kidney function: a. Neutrophil count \< 1.5 × 10\^9/L, platelet count \< 100 × 10\^9/L, hemoglobin \< 90g/L; The use of blood transfusion, platelet transfusion and erythropoietin was prohibited within 14 days before C1D1, and the use of Leukocytotropic drug such as G-CSF, fegrasstim, pefegrasstim, etc., was prohibited within 7 days before C1D1.b. Total bilirubin \> 1.5× Upper Limit of Normal (ULN); Subjects with a total bilirubin \> 2×ULN that is elevated due to pancreatic cancer compression of the bile duct but has been fitted with a bile duct stent for drainage can be enrolled. AST and/or ALT\> 2.5×ULN; the use of drugs that improve liver function, such as reducing transaminase was prohibited within 7 days before C1D1. c. Serum creatinine \> 1.5×ULN; d. A history of severe cardiovascular disease, including but not limited to second or third degree heart block; Severe ischemic heart disease; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or higher congestive heart failure (mild physical activity limitation; Comfortable at rest, but normal activities can cause fatigue, palpitations, or difficulty breathing);
5. Subjects who were required to receive systemic corticosteroids (doses equivalent to \> 10 mg prednisone/day) or other immunosuppressive agents within 14 days before enrollment or during the study period. Subjects were eligible for enrollment if: a. The use of topical or inhaled glucocorticoids is permitted; b. Allow short-term (≤7 days) use of glucocorticoids for the prevention or treatment of non-autoimmune allergic diseases;
6. Those who had severe infection before the first dose were judged ineligible for the study by the investigator;
7. History of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (known HIV1/2 antibody positive);
8. The presence of active hepatitis B, active hepatitis C, or other active infections that may affect the patient's treatment as determined by the investigator;
9. Subjects with a clear history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, dementia, or substance abuse (including alcohol) within the last year, and possibly affecting compliance;
10. Infected, ulcerated or unhealed wounds exist on the skin where the tumor treating fields is applied;
11. Having an implantable electronic medical device, such as a pacemaker;
12. Metal medical instruments are implanted in the chest and abdomen such as bone nails;
13. Known allergies to medical adhesives or hydrogels;
14. Pregnant or breastfeeding;
15. Subjects participated in clinical trials of other drugs within 3 months before enrollment, or participated in clinical trials of other devices within 1 month before enrollment;
16. Subjects with poor compliance or other factors as judged by the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Harbin, Heilongjiang and 4 other locations

• Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital — Harbin, Heilongjiang, China (Recruiting)
• Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University — Jinan, Shandong, China (Recruiting)
• Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center — Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China (Recruiting)
• Fudan University Affiliated Huashan Hospital — Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China (Recruiting)
• Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University — Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China (Not_yet_recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fu

Conditions Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer