Comparing EUS-RFA and surgery for treating pancreatic insulinoma

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided RAdiofrequency Ablation Versus Surgical Resection for the Treatment of Pancreatic INsulinoma: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona · NCT05735912

This study is testing whether a new treatment called EUS-RFA is as safe and effective as surgery for people with pancreatic insulinoma.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Verona)
Trial IDNCT05735912 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) compared to surgical resection for patients with pancreatic insulinoma. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EUS-RFA or surgery, and the study will assess the rate of adverse events and clinical outcomes associated with each treatment. The goal is to determine if EUS-RFA is a safer and equally effective alternative to surgery for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with a single pancreatic insulinoma nodule that is 2cm or smaller.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple pancreatic nodules, metastatic tumors, or those unfit for surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive treatment option for patients with pancreatic insulinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on EUS-RFA for pancreatic insulinoma, similar approaches in other conditions have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Diagnosis of pancreatic insulinoma (38) (e.g., fasting test, insulin blood levels, C-peptide blood levels)
* Presence of a visible single pancreatic nodule on imaging (computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and/or endoscopic ultrasound).
* No evidence of distant localizations visualized at computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and/or endoscopic ultrasound
* Tumor ≤ 2cm
* Informed consent provided by the patient or closest relative.

Exclusion Criteria:

* G2 with Ki-67 \>5% on histological examination at EUS-guided biopsy samples (if performed)
* Distance between lesion and main pancreatic duct ≤ 1mm or upstream dilation of the main pancreatic duct
* Metastatic tumor at the time of diagnosis
* Multiple pancreatic nodules
* Diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 according to guidelines
* Unfit for surgery or high-risk surgical patients
* Endoscopic ultrasound not feasible for surgical altered anatomy
* Known bleeding disorder that cannot be sufficiently corrected with co-fact or fresh frozen plasma
* Use of anticoagulants that cannot be discontinued
* International normalized ratio \>1.5 or platelet count \<50.000
* Pregnancy or breast feeding
* Failure to sign the patient's or closest relative's informed consent

Where this trial is running

Verona

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 Pancreatic Insulinoma
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.