Surgery after tumor-shrinking treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Official title: Conversion Surgery for Locally Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer - International Multi-center Observational Trial (ROBIN= suRgery for lOcally unresectaBle pancreatIc Cancer)
Run by Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova · NCT07241663 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether doing surgery after at least four months of chemotherapy helps people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer that was initially considered not removable live longer and feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Padova) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 26, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07241663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with histologically confirmed locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma who completed at least four months of induction chemotherapy, show stable disease or partial response on RECIST 1.1, and are judged eligible for radical resection by the local MDT are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with metastatic disease, tumor features or comorbidities that preclude surgery, inadequate imaging before induction, or progression on induction therapy are unlikely to benefit from conversion surgery.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational cohort of patients with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated at expert centers who receive modern multiagent induction chemotherapy and are then reviewed for possible surgical removal. Eligible patients will have received at least four months of induction therapy, show stable disease or partial response by RECIST 1.1, and be judged resectable by a local multidisciplinary team. Data collected will include pre- and post-induction imaging, details of any conversion surgery, surgical outcomes, survival, and patient-reported quality-of-life questionnaires. There is no randomization; outcomes of patients who undergo resection will be compared with those who remain unresected to see if conversion surgery after chemotherapy improves survival and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow a subset of patients with initially unresectable tumors to have surgery that prolongs survival and improves quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Several institutional series and observational reports have suggested that conversion surgery after modern induction regimens can benefit selected patients, but high-quality randomized evidence remains limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients older than 18 years * Patients able to give informed consent * Histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma * LAPC stage according to NCCN10 at diagnosis (Figure 1) * Received at least 4 months of induction chemotherapy * RECIST 1.1 stable disease (SD) or partial response (PR) after induction therapy * Patient considered eligible for radical resection by local MDT Exclusion Criteria: * Informed consent withdrawal * Presence of tumor characteristics precluding surgery * Presence of patient significant comorbidities precluding surgery * Unavailable pre-induction therapy abdominal imaging * Pathological confirmation of any tumor different from PDAC
Where it's running
-
UOC Chirurgia Generale 2, Azienda Ospedale di Padova, Padova, Italy 35128
Padova, Italy Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
AB801 with chemotherapy and immunotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer
This phase 1 study tests whether AB801 can be given safely with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in adults with border-line resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer.
-
XER-001 (nasoduodenal amifostine) with SBRT for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
This trial tests whether giving XER-001 through a nasoduodenal tube together with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is safe and helpful for people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
-
Comparing NALIRIFOX to a modified gemcitabine/nab‑paclitaxel/cisplatin regimen for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
This compares NALIRIFOX to a modified gemcitabine/nab‑paclitaxel/cisplatin regimen to see if it helps people with untreated locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma live longer or have better tumor responses.
-
Adding panitumumab to chemotherapy for unresectable or metastatic KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer
This trial will test whether giving the antibody panitumumab along with standard chemotherapy helps people with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer live longer.
-
Cell-based gene therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer after chemotherapy
This study is testing a new cell-based gene therapy called RR001 to see if it can help people with advanced pancreatic cancer feel better after chemotherapy and possibly make them eligible for surgery.
-
Kinisoquin to prevent blood clots in people with advanced pancreatic cancer
This trial will test whether Kinisoquin can prevent blood clots in people starting chemotherapy for metastatic or locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
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.