Comparing chemotherapy before and after surgery for pancreatic cancer

Efficacy of Perioperative Versus Adjuvant FOLFIRINOX in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: an International Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (NeoFOL-R Trial)

Phase 3 Interventional Seoul National University Hospital · NCT05529940

This study is testing whether giving chemotherapy before surgery can help people with resectable pancreatic cancer do better and live longer, especially in Asian patients.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment609 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations2 sites (Seoul and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05529940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using FOLFIRINOX compared to adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. The goal is to determine if administering chemotherapy before surgery can improve surgical outcomes and overall survival rates by addressing undetected metastatic lesions and ensuring more patients complete their treatment. The study focuses on Asian populations to tailor chemotherapy dosing and efficacy based on their specific characteristics. It aims to provide insights into the optimal timing of chemotherapy for better patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19 to 80 with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and adequate organ function.

Not a fit: Patients with distant metastases or those not meeting the specific imaging criteria for resectable cancer will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved survival rates and treatment completion for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer, but this specific approach in Asian populations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- A. Age: 19 to 80 years old B. Patients with a score of 0 - 1 (ECOG) when selecting a study subject C. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosed by histological examination (histologic or cytopathological) D. Patients evaluated as resectable pancreatic cancer in preoperative imaging as follows (NCCN guidelines for pancreatic adenocarcinoma version 2.2021)

* No arterial tumor contact (celiac asix, superior mesenteric artery, or common hepatic artery).
* No tumor contact with the superior mesenteric vein or portal vein or ≤ 180°contact without vein contour irregularity.

E. No distant metastases on preoperative imaging F. Patients with adequate organ function

1. Bone marrow function: WBC 3,000/mm3 or more or ANC 1,500/mm3 or more, platelet ≥ 100K/mm3
2. Liver function: Bilirubin ≤ 3 x upper normal limit (≤5.0 mg/dL), AST/ALT ≤ 5 x upper normal limit (\<200 IU/L)
3. Renal function (Cr clearance ≥ 60 mL/min) or (Cr \< 1.5 x upper normal limit) G. Persons physically capable of undergoing surgery H. Those who consented to the clinical trial I. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within one week before starting the intervention drug. Men and women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception from screening through six months after the last dose.

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Patients who met any of the following criteria are not eligible to participate in this study.

A. Those evaluated as borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer in preoperative imaging examination (The resectability assessment depends on the presence of major vessel invasion, while invasion of adjacent organs is excluded from the criteria) B. Patients with a history of previous pancreatic surgery C. Patients with a history of previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer D. Patients with distant metastases or recurrent pancreatic cancer E. Pancreatic body or tail cancer requiring combined resection of adjacent organs (stomach or kidney) (except for the adrenal gland) F. Patients within five years of diagnosis of other organ malignancies (with the exception of adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ without evidence of disease) G. Pregnant and lactating women H. Serious concomitant systemic disorders, including active or ongoing systemic infections, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina, clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias, psychiatric disorders, or uncontrolled comorbid conditions that may limit compliance with study requirements, or any medical condition that, at the discretion of the investigator, could compromise patient safety, interfere with the assessment of safety and efficacy, or hinder participation in the clinical trial.

Where this trial is running

Seoul and 1 other locations

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 Resectable Pancreatic CancerNeoadjuvant ChemotherapyEffects of Chemotherapy
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.