NCT06821997 · Roswell Park Cancer Institute
NALIRIFOX Before Surgery for the Treatment of Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Nectar Trial
What this study is about
This phase II trial tests how well liposomal irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (NALIRIFOX) before surgery works in treating patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that is close to major blood vessels, but is still potentially removable by surgery (borderline resectable). Irinotecan is in a class of antineoplastic medications called topoisomerase I inhibitors.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial tests how well liposomal irinotecan, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (NALIRIFOX) before surgery works in treating patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that is close to major blood vessels, but is still potentially removable by surgery (borderline resectable). Irinotecan is in a class of antineoplastic medications called topoisomerase I inhibitors. It blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and may kill tumor cells. Liposomal irinotecan is a form of the anticancer drug irinotecan that is contained inside very tiny, fat-like particles. Liposomal irinotecan may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of the drug. Oxaliplatin is in a class of medications called platinum-containing antineoplastic agents. It damages the cell's DNA and may kill tumor cells. 5-fluorouracil, a type of antimetabolite, stops cells from making DNA and it may kill tumor cells. Leucovorin, a form of folic acid, is used to lessen the toxic effects of substances that block the action of folic acid. It is a type of chemoprotective agent and a type of chemosensitizing agent. Giving NALIRIFOX before surgery may improve the chance of successful surgery and decrease the chance of the cancer returning after surgery in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood sample collection
PROCEDURE
Computed Tomography
Undergo CT
DRUG
Fluorouracil
Given IV
DRUG
Irinotecan Sucrosofate
Given IV
DRUG
Leucovorin Calcium
Given IV
DRUG
Oxaliplatin
Given IV
PROCEDURE
Surgical Procedure
Undergo surgical resection
Primary outcome measures
Major pathologic response (MPR)
Time frame: Up to 5 years
MPR will be defined as either complete pathologic response or minimal residual cancer based on the American College of Pathology system. The MPR status will be summarized using frequencies and relative frequencies.
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
- Age ≥ 18 years of age
- Have histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that is borderline resectable (BR) using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria
- Have a documented Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤ 1
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500 cells/uL without the use of hematopoietic growth factors
- Platelet count ≥ 100,000 cells/uL
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL
- Plasma total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) (biliary drainage is allowed for biliary obstruction)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN
- Creatine clearance of \> 30 mL/min (per Cockroft-Gault equation)
- Plasma albumin ≥ 3 g/dL
- Have measurable or evaluable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria
- Participants of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraceptive methods (e.g., hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately
- Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an independent ethics committee/institutional review board approved written informed consent form (ICF) prior to receiving any study related procedure
Exclusion criteria
- Patients who have had previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy for PDAC
- Patients with resectable, unresectable, or metastatic PDAC
- Presence of germline glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (\*28 or \*6) or dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) polymorphisms (DPYD\*2A \[rs3918290, c.1905+1G\>A, IVS14+1G\>A\], c.2846A\>T \[rs67376798, D949V\], c.1679T\>G \[rs55886062, DPYD\*13, I560S\], and c.1236G\>A \[rs56038477, E412E, in haplotype B3\]) known to significantly impact CPT-11 and fluorouracil metabolism and associated with increased risk for toxicities
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
- Pregnant or nursing female participants
- Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements
- Any condition which in the investigator's opinion deems the participant an unsuitable candidate to receive study drug
Where
- Buffalo, New York
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 Apr 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations