Using blood tests to predict outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer

Implementing Non-invasive Circulating Tumor DNA and Circular DNA Analysis in Patients With Localized Pancreatic Cancer to Optimize the Pre- and Postoperative Treatment: Predicting Recurrence and Survival and Changing Prognosis Over Time

Not applicable Interventional Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev · NCT05788744

This study is testing if blood tests that look for specific DNA can help predict how well patients with localized pancreatic cancer will do after surgery and improve their follow-up care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCopenhagen University Hospital at Herlev Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations5 sites (Aalborg and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05788744 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circular DNA (eccDNA) in predicting early recurrence and overall survival in patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) scheduled for surgical resection. The study includes an observational component where blood samples will be collected at various intervals, and an interventional randomized trial comparing ctDNA-guided surveillance to standard surveillance in patients without recurrence four months post-surgery. The goal is to determine if ctDNA can enhance patient outcomes by identifying those who will benefit from surgery and improving surveillance methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with suspected PDAC tumor stages I-III who are scheduled for surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with other cancers or those unlikely to comply with the study protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved survival rates and quality of life for patients with localized pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using ctDNA for cancer monitoring, suggesting potential success for this approach in pancreatic cancer.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Sub-study 1: Suspicion of PDAC tumor stage I-III, scheduled for pancreatic resection, with or without preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
* Sub-study 2: .

  * PDAC tumor stage I-III
  * Has received intended curative resection (R0/R1) of PDAC
  * No signs of local recurrence or metastatic disease at a CT scan 4 months after the operation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other cancers (excluding skin cancer other than melanoma) later than 3 years before inclusion
* Patients who are unlikely to comply with the protocol, inability to return for subsequent visits) and/or otherwise considered by the Investigator to be unlikely to complete the study

Where this trial is running

Aalborg and 4 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 Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
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.