Clinical Research Directory

A Brief Psychological Intervention to Improve Emotional Well-Being During Neoadjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

This clinical trial tests how well a psychosocial oncology intervention during neoadjuvant therapy works for patients with pancreatic cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is often recommended prior to surgeryf or patients with pancreatic cancer; this is known as neoadjuvant therapy (NT). The primary advantages of NT include: reducing the size of the cancer mass and/or reducing the spread of cancer, to improve the likelihood of getting all the cancer during surgery, and because receiving chemotherapy after pancreas surgery can be challenging. Other research has shown that NT can lead to improved survival and a lower rate of the cancer returning. Despite these positive effects, NT can be associated with significant physical and emotional side effects. To prepare patients for future surgery and maintain health during chemotherapy and/or radiation, prehabilitation is often recommended. This can include nutritional and physical therapy to help with physical health. An oncology (cancer) psychosocial intervention during NT may be feasible and helpful to patients with localized pancreatic cancer.

Investigational Scan (68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT) for Imaging of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts for Localized Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

This phase II trial tests whether 68Ga-FAPI-46 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan works to image cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). CAFs are a type of connective tissue cell that are found within or near cancerous tissue. Many CAFs express a protein called fibroblast activation protein (FAP) that are not found on healthy cells in large amounts. 68Ga-FAPI-46 is a radioactive chemical compound designed to circulate through the body and attach itself to FAP on PDA cells. A PET/CT scan is then used to detect the location of FAP lesions. PET scan is a procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is taken up. Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. CT scan is a procedure that uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create 3-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. Combining a PET scan with a CT scan can help make the image easier to interpret. PET/CT scans are hybrid scanners that combine both modalities into a single scan during the same examination. Giving 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT may help doctors improve upon the diagnosis and management of PDA.

A Study to Determine if the Drug, Pyrvinium Pamoate, is Safe and Tolerable in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of pyrvinium pamoate for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that cannot be removed by surgery (resectable). Pyrvinium pamoate may slow down tumor growth and help patients live longer.