NCT06173310 · Ohio State University
DCE-MRI Guided Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to test whether chemotherapy guided by a new imaging method named DCE-MRI can more effectively reduce a pancreatic tumor, enabling curable surgery, over the conventional method when a tumor is categorized as borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to test whether chemotherapy guided by a new imaging method named DCE-MRI can more effectively reduce a pancreatic tumor, enabling curable surgery, over the conventional method when a tumor is categorized as borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. UAB radiological research team has been studying a cutting-edge imaging technique named dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, or DCE-MRI, for over 10 years. This technique has been globally used to calculate the blood flow of various tissues, including tumors. Blood flow often serves as a critical indicator showing a disease status. For example, a pancreatic tumor typically has low blood flow, so it can be used as an indicator to identify the presence of a pancreatic tumor. In addition, an effective therapy can result in the increase of blood flow in a pancreatic tumor during the early period of treatment. Therefore, the investigators may be able to determine whether the undergoing therapy is effective or not by measuring the change of blood flow in the pancreatic tumor and deciding whether to continue the therapy or try a different one.
Interventions
DEVICE
Point-of-care Portable Perfusion Phantom (P4)
P4 is a perfusion phantom developed by Dr. Harrison Kim that can significantly reduce variation in quantitating perfusion of human abdominal tissues across MRI scanners.
Primary outcome measures
To measure the reproducibility of qDCE-MRI measurement of BRPC.
Time frame: 6 weeks +/- 2 weeks
The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameter within the region of interest (ROI) will be averaged at each scan after P4-based error correction, and the mean values of two scans will be compared to calculate the reproducibility coefficient (%RDC) using the equation, %RDC=2.77wCV, where wCV is the within-subject coefficient of variation. The %RDC before P4-based error correction will also be calculated for comparison. Data reproducibility will be assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) as well. ICC = σ 2b / (σ 2b+ σ 2w), where σb is between-subject standard deviation and σw is within-subject standard deviation.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adult patients (age 19 years or older).
- Patients with newly diagnosed and untreated borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
- Patients with signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Any history of prior radiation or chemotherapy or surgical removal for pancreatic cancer.
- Participants with safety contraindications to MRI examination (determined by standard clinical screening).
- Participants who are pregnant, lactating or are planning to become pregnant during the study.
- Participants who are planning to father a child during the study.
Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Columbus, Ohio
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations