Monitoring molecular residual disease in pancreatic cancer

The Value of Molecular Residual Disease Monitoring Based on ctDNA in Borderline Resectable or Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT05802394

This study is testing if tracking tiny bits of cancer DNA in the blood can help doctors make better treatment decisions for people with pancreatic cancer that is hard to remove.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT05802394 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the prognostic value of molecular residual disease (MRD) monitoring using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. It aims to assess the baseline MRD and how changes in MRD after treatment can guide further therapeutic decisions. Participants will provide peripheral blood samples before starting conversion therapy and after the first imaging assessment following chemotherapy to evaluate MRD dynamics. The study focuses on improving treatment outcomes through personalized monitoring.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer who are planned for conversion therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with pancreatic cancer types other than ductal adenocarcinoma or those who have received prior systemic antitumor treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more tailored treatment strategies and improved outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using ctDNA for MRD monitoring in this context is relatively novel, similar studies in other cancers have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with histologically confirmed borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer;
* conversion therapy was planned;
* both sexes, age ≥18 years old;
* ECOG performance status score ≤2;
* the expected survival time was ≥3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* a known diagnosis of pancreatic cancer other than ductal adenocarcinoma;
* treated with any systemic antitumor treatment before first-line chemotherapy onset;
* died or lost to follow-up within one month after the initiation of first-line chemotherpay;
* combined with other primary malignances.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

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 Pancreatic CancerLocally Advanced
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.