Finding a Clinical Trial

Because pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat, you may want to consider participating in a clinical trial. In a trial you may get access to the latest treatments that are otherwise not available. You will also help advance the science of pancreatic cancer treatment. Participating is not without risks, but you may be helped. Participating also allows you to help those who come after you, by adding helpful information to the knowledge base. Today, people are living longer lives from successful pancreatic cancer treatments that are the result of past clinical trials.

Many clinical trials are underway for patients in all stages of pancreatic cancer. Some of the ongoing clinical trials include different combinations of currently approved chemotherapy drugs, chemotherapy before surgery, immunotherapy, treatments to break down the stroma (the supportive tissue surrounding the tumor), the use of targeted agents, and trials based on tumor type or genetic profiles.

Currently, fewer than 5 percent of pancreatic cancer patients are enrolled in clinical trials. Some patients are too ill to participate, but many others are just not aware of the potential benefits of trials. Clinical trials are important and should be seriously considered as part of pancreatic cancer treatment. You should discuss participating with your medical team.