Investigating lymph node metastasis in pancreatic cancer surgery

Prevalence and Consequences of Para-aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: a Prospective Population Based Multicenter Study. The PALN Study

Not applicable Interventional Uppsala University Hospital · NCT06065891

This study is testing whether removing certain lymph nodes during pancreatic cancer surgery can help doctors understand how the cancer spreads and improve treatment for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUppsala University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations6 sites (Odense and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06065891 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the incidence and clinical implications of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis in patients undergoing curative resection for pancreatic cancer. By systematically resecting PALNs during surgery, the study seeks to clarify whether these nodes should be considered regional or indicative of systemic disease. The primary outcome focuses on determining the incidence of PALN metastasis, while secondary outcomes include evaluating the prognosis of patients with such metastasis and the incidence of metastasis in regional lymph nodes. The findings could influence surgical approaches and treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with resectable or borderline resectable periampullary cancer requiring duodenopancreatectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with unresectable tumors or those with contraindications for radical resection will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical strategies and better prognostic understanding for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing debate regarding the management of PALN metastasis, this study's systematic approach to resection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Resectable suspected periampullary cancer (requiring duodenopancreatectomy) (NCCN guidelines 2020)

Borderline resectable periampullary cancer (requiring duodenopancreatectomy) (NCCN guidelines 2020)

Age \>18 years

Written patient consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Contraindication for a radical resection procedure

Unresectable tumor (NCCN guidelines 2020) or metastatic disease (lgll station 16 not included)

Mental or organic disorders which could interfere with giving informed consent or receiving treatments

Where this trial is running

Odense and 5 other locations

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 Pancreas CancerPancreas AdenocarcinomaLymph Node Metastasis
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.