Comparing Gemcitabine and Reduced-dose Combination Chemotherapy for Non-resectable Pancreatic Cancer

A Randomized Phase II Study of Gemcitabine Versus Reduced-dose Combination Chemotherapy in Fragile Patients with Non-resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Phase 2 Interventional Aalborg University Hospital · NCT05841420

This study is testing whether full-dose Gemcitabine or a lower-dose combination of Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel works better and is safer for older or frail patients with pancreatic cancer that can't be surgically removed.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment98 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT05841420 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of full-dose Gemcitabine versus reduced-dose combination chemotherapy in patients with non-resectable pancreatic cancer who are not suitable for full-dose treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either full-dose Gemcitabine or a reduced-dose combination of Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel. The study will assess progression-free survival, overall survival, response rates, toxicity, and quality of life. This national multicenter trial seeks to provide better treatment options for elderly and frail patients with pancreatic cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with non-resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are unfit for full-dose chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are fit for full-dose combination chemotherapy or have other severe health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a more effective and less toxic treatment option for frail patients with non-resectable pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in colorectal cancer and analyses of Gemcitabine plus Nab-Paclitaxel suggest that reduced-dose combination chemotherapy may be effective, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, histopathologically or cytologically verified
* Non-resectable (locally advanced or metastatic) PC
* Patients unfit or not candidate for full-dose combination chemotherapy
* Patients eligible for full dose gemcitabine or reduced dose combination chemotherapy
* Performance status (PS) ≤2
* Measurable or non-measurable disease
* Adequate hematologic function defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1.5 x 10\^9/l and platelets count ≥100x10\^9/l within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
* Adequate organ function (bilirubin ≤1.5 x UNL (Upper Normal Limit) and eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) \>50ml/min within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
* Toxicity of prior chemotherapy, including neurotoxicity, resolved to CTCAE \<grade 2
* Oral and written informed consent must be obtained according to the local Ethics committee requirements
* Fertile patients must use adequate contraceptives

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients eligible for downstaging/preoperative chemotherapy followed by resection or local ablation or irradiation
* Prior chemotherapy for PC (However, patients treated with adjuvant therapy with recurrence occurring more than 6 months after end of this treatment are eligible)
* Concurrent, non-curatively treated malignant neoplasm other than pancreatic adenocarcinoma
* Concurrent treatment with any other anti-cancer therapy
* Pregnant or breast-feeding patients
* Patients clearly intending to withdraw from the study if not randomized in the willing arm or patients who cannot be regularly followed up for psychological, social, familiar, or geographic reasons.
* Other condition or therapy, which in the investigator's opinion may pose a risk to the patient or interfere with the study objectives.
* Known allergy or intolerance to any of the drugs used in DPCG-01 (Gemcitabine, S1 or Nab-Paclitaxel)

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

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 Pancreas CancerNon-Resectable Pancreas CarcinomaFragileElderlyPalliative
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.