Exploring how diet and gut bacteria affect chemotherapy response in pancreatic cancer

Determining the Link Between Dietary Patterns, Fecal Microbiome and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients

Observational Emory University · NCT06595160

This study is testing how diet and gut bacteria affect how well people with pancreatic cancer respond to chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment87 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEmory University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Atlanta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT06595160 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between dietary patterns and the gut microbiome in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It aims to evaluate how the diversity of the fecal microbiome and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) dietary score correlate with the patients' response to treatment. Participants will complete a dietary survey and provide fecal samples for analysis. The findings could help tailor dietary recommendations to improve treatment outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a histological diagnosis of resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic stage IV pancreatic cancer or those who have previously received neoadjuvant chemotherapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized dietary interventions that enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between diet, microbiome, and cancer treatment is being explored, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in pancreatic cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \* Age ≥ 18 years with signed informed consent form

  * Patients must have a histological diagnosis of PDAC
  * Resectable or borderline resectable PDAC on imaging

Exclusion Criteria:

* \* Patients with locally advanced and metastatic stage IV PDAC

  * Patients who have already received or completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy for PDAC
  * Patients with active malignancy receiving systemic therapy

Where this trial is running

Atlanta, Georgia

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 Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal AdenocarcinomaResectable Pancreatic Ductal AdenocarcinomaStage I Pancreatic Cancer AJCC v8
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.