Using Hand Grip Tests to Understand Muscle Strength in Pancreatic Cancer
Official title: Monitoring Physical Function Changes for Patients Living With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Potential for Better Understanding of Treatment Trajectory and Survival
Run by British Columbia Cancer Agency · NCT07255001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether hand grip strength can be measured during regular clinic visits and whether grip strength relates to body composition, wellbeing, and tumor response in adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | British Columbia Cancer Agency Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 13, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07255001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with PDAC (resectable, non-resectable, or metastatic) who are starting treatment and can use a hand dynamometer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unable to perform the grip test or who do not experience measurable changes in grip strength may not personally benefit from this assessment.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study explores the feasibility of measuring hand grip strength during routine PDAC clinic visits using a dynamometer. It also examines whether changes in grip strength align with shifts in body composition, patient-reported well-being, and responses to treatment. Participants include adults with resectable, non-resectable, or metastatic PDAC who are planned for treatment and can hold the device with one hand. Researchers collect grip strength data and patient questionnaires as part of standard care, to see if this simple measure reflects overall disease impact. The trial is sponsored by the British Columbia Cancer Agency and conducted at BC Cancer in Vancouver, aiming to inform future use of grip strength as a clinical marker in PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could use grip strength as a quick, low-burden marker to track treatment impact and patient well-being in PDAC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown grip strength can reflect nutritional status and outcomes in cancer, but this study focuses on feasibility and relation to multiple clinical factors in PDAC.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older. * Histological and/or radiological diagnosis of resectable, non-resectable, or metastatic PDAC. For resectable PDAC, adjuvant setting only. * ECOG performance status 0-2. * Life expectancy greater than 6 months as judged by the investigator. * Planned for treatment, either as part of routine care or in combination with an investigational agent within another study. * Ability to hold a dynamometer with one hand. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with CT imaging performed outside of Vancouver, BC, Canada. * Individuals who are unfit to undergo CT imaging of the third lumbar vertebra (L3). * Individuals who are currently participating in a structured moderate intensity resistance training program. * Individuals who are otherwise judged by the investigator to be unfit to proceed with this protocol. * Unable to comply with study assessments and follow-up.
Where it's running
-
BC Cancer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel J Renouf, MD, MPH
- Email: drenouf@bccancer.bc.ca
- Phone: 800-663-3333
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
KRAS Inhibitor ETX-929 in advanced solid tumors
This trial tests ETX-929, alone or with cetuximab, in people whose cancers have KRAS mutations and have progressed after prior therapy.
-
Modified FOLFIRINOX with Pentamidine in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
This study tests whether adding pentamidine to a modified FOLFIRINOX regimen helps people with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
-
Targeted alpha-radiation therapy for NTSR1-positive tumors using SKL35501/SKL35502
This early-phase trial tests whether a two-part approach—an imaging agent to find NTSR1-expressing tumors and a targeted alpha-ray therapy—can be safely used in adults with certain advanced solid tumors.
-
Zoldonrasib plus Daraxonrasib vs Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel as first-line treatment for metastatic KRAS G12D pancreatic cancer
This study tests whether two investigational RAS inhibitors together can improve outcomes compared with standard chemotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic cancer carrying the KRAS G12D mutation.
-
Reach and Engagement of Genetic Education, Risk Assessment, and Testing Feasibility (GENET) for PDAC risk
This study tests whether online education plus a phone call from PanCAN helps Black, Latino/a, and Medicaid-enrolled people in Massachusetts learn about genetic and multi-cancer early detection testing and decide about getting tested.
-
Imaging study of 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB in GBM and PDAC patients
This early-stage study tests a new imaging drug to see how it travels in the body and how much radiation different organs receive in adults with GBM or PDAC.
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.