Examining the link between skinfold thickness and survival in certain cancers

The Relationship Between Triceps Skinfold and Overall Survival of Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer.

Samsung Medical Center · NCT03637569

This study tests if measuring skinfold thickness can help predict how long people with pancreatic, cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancers might live, especially those struggling with weight loss.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSamsung Medical Center (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT03637569 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between triceps skinfold thickness and overall survival rates in patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. The study aims to address the issue of cachexia, which is common in pancreatic cancer and negatively impacts survival and quality of life. By measuring skinfold thickness, the researchers hope to provide a more accurate assessment of body composition compared to traditional BMI measurements. The findings could help improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 who have been newly diagnosed with pancreatic, bile duct, or gallbladder cancer and are undergoing therapeutic management.

Not a fit: Patients with other malignant diseases or those with underlying conditions affecting body composition may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better prognostic tools for assessing survival in patients with specific cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between body composition and cancer outcomes has been explored, this specific approach using triceps skinfold thickness is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Newly diagnosed pancreatic, bile duct or gallbladder cancer patients, undergoing therapeutic management (including surgery, chemotherapy or palliative care).
* Age above 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other malignant disease
* Underlying intestinal disease that cause absorprtion disorder
* Underlying psychiatric disorder such as eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia)

Where this trial is running

Seoul

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pancreas Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Gallbladder Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.