Using ctDNA to guide earlier switching from first-line mFOLFIRINOX in metastatic pancreatic cancer
Official title: A Phase 2 Study Assessing Utility of ctDNA in Early Switch of First-line Chemotherapy in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Run by University of Miami · NCT07096362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether a blood test (ctDNA) can tell if people with metastatic pancreatic cancer are not responding to first-line mFOLFIRINOX soon enough to switch therapies earlier than standard imaging.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Miami Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07096362 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with treatment‑naïve metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have at least one measurable lesion and detectable ctDNA at baseline.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without detectable ctDNA at baseline, those with pure neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors, or those unable to attend the Miami site are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase 2 interventional study enrolls treatment‑naïve adults with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have detectable circulating tumor DNA at baseline. Participants receive standard first‑line mFOLFIRINOX and have serial ctDNA measured with the Northstar Response assay to monitor tumor response before routine imaging. The protocol examines whether ctDNA changes can identify desired tumor shrinkage or lack of shrinkage earlier than the usual 8‑week imaging interval and whether that information can prompt earlier treatment changes. Outcomes include how well ctDNA dynamics match imaging and clinical outcomes after any ctDNA‑guided treatment switches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, ctDNA monitoring could let clinicians stop ineffective chemotherapy sooner and switch patients to alternative treatments earlier, potentially reducing toxicity and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: ctDNA has shown promise for early response monitoring in other cancers, but ctDNA‑guided early switching in metastatic pancreatic cancer is largely untested and remains exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Histologically confirmed, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patients with adenosquamous carcinoma and mixed adenocarcinoma/neuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) of the pancreas are eligible, but pure neuroendocrine neoplasms are excluded. 2. Treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. 3. Must have a detectable circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at cycle 1 day 1. 4. Patients must have a detectable circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) quantity on Northstar Response assay at baseline. 5. At least one tumor measurable by Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan. Measurable disease is defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded for non-nodal lesions and short axis for nodal lesions) as \>20 mm with conventional techniques or \>10 mm with spiral CT scan. 6. Adult male and female participants (≥ 18 years of age). 7. Male or non-pregnant and non-lactating female. Men and women with intact reproductive potential must agree to use contraception. 8. Adequate biological parameters as demonstrated by the following blood counts at Screening (obtained ≤ 21 days prior to enrollment) and at Baseline-Day 0: * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.0 × 109 cells/L. * Platelet count ≥ 100,000 cells/mm3 (100 × 109 cells/L). Supportive platelet transfusions are acceptable. * Hemoglobin (Hgb) ≥ 9 g/dL. Supportive packed red blood cell transfusions are acceptable. 9. Adequate blood chemistry levels at Screening (obtained ≤ 21 days prior to enrollment) and at Baseline-Day 0: * Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT); alanine transaminase (ALT) - serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN) range, unless liver metastases are present, then ≤ 5 × ULN is allowed. * Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 × Upper Limit of Normal. * Estimated creatinine clearance of \> 60 mL/min (per Cockcroft-Gault formula). * Albumin ≥ 3.0 g/dL. 10. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status from 0 to ≤ 1. 11. Must be a modified Folfirinox chemotherapy candidate. 12. For participants not qualified or able to give legal consent, consent must be obtained from their legally authorized representative (LAR). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with pure neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas. 2. Brain metastases. 3. Uncontrolled ascites. 4. Increase of ECOG to \> 1 between screening and enrollment. 5. Active, uncontrolled bacterial, viral, or fungal infection(s) requiring systemic therapy. 6. History of untreated or uncontrolled HIV and/or Hepatitis B or C infection. 7. Clinically significant, uncontrolled heart disease and/or cardiac repolarization abnormality, including any of the following: * History of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, symptomatic pericarditis, or coronary artery bypass graft within six months prior to study entry * Documented cardiomyopathy 8. Grade 2 or greater sensory peripheral neuropathy. 9. History of chronic diarrhea. 10. Pregnant or nursing. 11. Concomitant serious medical or psychiatric illness that, in the opinion of the investigator, could compromise the patient's safety or integrity of the study data. 12. Concurrently enrolled in any other interventional clinical protocol or investigational trial involving administration of antineoplastic compounds for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. 13. Patient is unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures. 14. Patients with impaired decision-making capacity. 15. No other medical condition or reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude study participation.
Where it's running
-
University of Miami
Miami, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gretel Terrero, MD — University of Miami
- Study coordinator: Siudy Vasquez
- Email: sxv507@med.miami.edu
- Phone: (305) 243-2647
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using advanced MRI to assess treatment response in pancreatic cancer
This study is testing a new MRI technique to see if it can better predict how well treatment works for people with pancreatic cancer.
-
Evaluating RAS(ON) Inhibitors for Gastrointestinal Solid Tumors
This study is testing new RAS(ON) inhibitors combined with standard treatments to see if they can help people with certain types of gastrointestinal cancers that have RAS mutations.
-
Treatment for metastatic cancer with BRCA or PALB2 mutations using chemotherapy and stem cells
This study is testing a new treatment combining chemotherapy and stem cells for people with metastatic pancreatic or breast cancer who have BRCA or PALB2 mutations to see if it is safe and effective.
-
Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to check for local pancreatic cancer recurrence after surgery
This pilot test uses contrast-enhanced ultrasound to see if it can help detect return of pancreatic cancer after surgery in patients being watched with CT scans.
-
PF-08098488 in adults with advanced solid tumors
This study tests PF-08098488 in adults whose cancer has progressed or returned after prior treatment.
-
ABBV-253 in adults with advanced solid tumors
This study tests ABBV-253 to see if it is safe, how it affects the cancer, and how the drug moves in the body for adults with advanced solid tumors.
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.