Using radiofrequency ablation to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Pancreatic Radiofrequency Under High Echo-endoscopy in the Management of Low Grade Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors of Less Than 2cm in Size

Not applicable Interventional Institut Paoli-Calmettes · NCT04520932

This study is testing if a treatment called radiofrequency ablation can help people with small, nonfunctioning pancreatic tumors feel better and have fewer worries compared to current monitoring methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment82 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstitut Paoli-Calmettes Academic / other
Locations1 site (Marseille)
Trial IDNCT04520932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating grade 1 nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PNETs) that are 2 cm or smaller. Patients will undergo 1 to 3 RFA sessions based on their treatment response and will be monitored for 5 years to assess their clinical outcomes, quality of life, and any complications. The aim is to provide a less costly and anxiety-inducing alternative to the current monitoring practices for these tumors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of grade 1 NF-PNETs measuring 2 cm or less.

Not a fit: Patients with larger tumors, severe health conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a less invasive and more effective management option for patients with small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While only a few small studies have evaluated this treatment, the results have been encouraging, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pancreatic mass of less than 2cm on MRI, or CT scan if contraindicated by MRI;
* Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor on biopsy under high echo-endoscopy (HEE) with Ki67\<3%,
* Non-secretory lesion.
* Homogeneous HEE contrast taking;
* No positron emission tomography (PET) FDG binding to the pancreatic mass;
* Lesion \<20mm on conventional imaging at 6 months monitoring;
* Age 18 to 80 years inclusive;
* Patient in good general condition, World Health Organization \[0-1\];
* Signed consent to participate;
* Affiliation to healthcare insurance system or beneficiary of this regimen.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or likely to become pregnant (without effective contraception) or breastfeeding ;
* A person in an emergency situation or deprived of liberty or placed under the authority of a tutor.
* Life expectancy \< 1 year;
* Severe hemostasis disorders;
* Pancreatic and/or biliary ductal dilation;
* Lesion considered to be adjacent to the pancreatic duct and/or bile duct;
* Node extension and/or metastatic disease;
* Patient being managed for another malignant lesion which is progressive or under treatment.

Where this trial is running

Marseille

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 Neuroendocrine Tumor of PancreasNeuroendocrine Tumor Grade 1Radio Frequency treatmentEchoendoscopyAblationEfficacy
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.