Histotripsy treatment for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Histotripsy for Pancreatic Cancer: a Novel Strategy for an Unmet Need
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07873606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests histotripsy, a non-thermal ultrasound method, to see if it can safely target and liquefy pancreatic tumors in adults with unresectable disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 25, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 25, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07873606 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with unresectable pancreatic cancer who are fit for general anesthesia, have ultrasound-targetable tumors with safe acoustic windows, and have adequate organ function.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with extensive bowel interposition, poor overall health, uncontrolled coagulopathy, or non-targetable tumors may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound to mechanically disrupt tumor tissue without heat or radiation. The trial targets adults with unresectable pancreatic cancer, including those with or without vascular encasement and distant metastasis, who are fit for anesthesia and have adequate organ function. Procedures require ultrasound visibility of the tumor and safe acoustic access, with careful screening for contraindications such as portal vein thrombosis or poor overall condition. Outcomes will inform safety and feasibility in a xenial, real-time ultrasound-guided setting, and may provide groundwork for combining local histotripsy with systemic therapy. The approach draws on preclinical evidence suggesting tumor ablation with sparing of vessels and ducts and potential immunologic effects within the tumor microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience local tumor control with reduced risk to nearby vessels and ducts, potentially extending survival or quality of life when combined with other treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early translational work in pancreatic models suggests histotripsy can ablate pancreatic tissue and modulate the tumor microenvironment, but clinical data in humans are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years old * Fit for general anaesthesia * Unresectable pancreatic cancer with, or without vascular encasement * With or without distant metastasis * Without portal vein thrombosis * Good performance status: 1. Tumour visible and targetable by ultrasound with acceptable acoustic windows 2. Adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to take part in clinical trial * Portal vein thrombosis present * Not fit for general anaesthesia * Poor general condition with limited life expectancy * Uncontrolled coagulopathy * Extensive bowel interposition preventing safe targeting, per recent porcine safety data linking mis-targeting to bowel injury
Where it's running
-
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Albert Chan, MBBS, MS
- Email: acchan@hku.hk
- Phone: +85222553025
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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.