ctDNA as a biomarker to guide treatment for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer
Official title: Evaluating the Prognostic Capability of ctDNA as a Biomarker in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Run by Northwestern University · NCT04616131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether measuring pancreatic cancer DNA in the blood can help doctors understand how patients respond to chemotherapy and surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (DeKalb, Illinois and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04616131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) with biopsy-proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma that is confined to the pancreas and nearby lymph nodes and who are receiving chemotherapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metastatic disease or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from ctDNA findings in 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 observational study looks at patients with non-metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are receiving chemotherapy. Researchers will compare the presence of circulating tumor DNA in blood samples collected before, during, and after treatment to see how ctDNA changes with therapy. The goal is to see if ctDNA patterns reflect disease behavior and could inform future treatment decisions after surgery. No experimental interventions are described beyond standard care with chemotherapy. The study is led by Northwestern University and is conducted at three Northwestern Medicine centers in Illinois.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If ctDNA patterns reliably reflect response, this could help tailor treatment plans for future patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored ctDNA as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer, with ongoing investigations into its clinical utility.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Biopsy or cytology proven adenocarcinoma of the pancreas * No clinical evidence of metastatic disease on imaging * Age 18 or older * Receiving chemotherapy for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer Exclusion Criteria: * Biopsy proven metastatic disease
Where it's running
-
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Kishwaukee
DeKalb, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Delnor
Geneva, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville
Warrenville, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Akhil Chawla, MD — Northwestern Medicine Warrenville
- Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
- Email: cancertrials@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 3126951301
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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.