Identifying microRNAs related to weight loss in pancreatic cancer

Pilot Trial to Identify microRNAs in Cachexia in Patients With Pancreatic Carcinoma

Observational University of Oklahoma · NCT05275075

This study is trying to find out if certain genetic factors are linked to weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer and to see how this affects different groups of patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Trial IDNCT05275075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to analyze the prevalence of cachexia in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to identify genetic differences among these patients. It will involve a retrospective examination of 1,395 patients from two cancer centers, combined with a prospective enrollment of 100 volunteers at the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center. The study will assess demographic and medical data to explore racial disparities and will analyze tumor samples for microRNA and mRNA expression related to muscle loss. Additionally, optional assessments of hand strength and body composition will be conducted.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with operable pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed within the last year.

Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are not candidates for surgical resection will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of cachexia in pancreatic cancer patients, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cachexia in cancer, this specific approach focusing on microRNAs in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female patient, who is ≥ 18 years old at the time of informed consent.
2. Patients with operable pancreatic tumors diagnosed in the last 12 months prior to consent with clinical discretion or pathology confirmed as adenocarcinoma.
3. Patient has stage I or higher disease who is considered a candidate for surgical resection of pancreatic cancer, with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
4. Ability to provide written informed consent and HIPAA authorization.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who do not meet the criteria for surgical resection.
2. Patient has cancer diagnosis other than primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Where this trial is running

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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 Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinomapancreatic cancercachexiamicroRNAmRNAPDAC
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.