NCT06030622 · State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center
Phase 2A Pilot C3 Trial of Recurrent/Refractory Metastatic Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
(C3)
What this study is about
The goals of this trial are: 1) To evaluate the safety and how well patients handle the treatment of C3 administration with Gemcitabine; and 2) To assess the disease response following C3 administration with Gemcitabine.
View original scientific description
The goals of this trial are: 1) To evaluate the safety and tolerability of C3 administration with Gemcitabine; and 2) To assess the disease response following C3 administration with Gemcitabine. The main question it aims to answer are: 1) Is C3 in combination with Gemcitabine safe, tolerable, and effective for reducing improving advanced stage pancreatic cancer? and 2) Can C3 in combination with Gemcitabine prolong the lives of patients with advanced stage pancreatic cancer. Participants will receive a combination of metformin (850 mg twice a day), digoxin (0.25 mg once a day), and simvastatin (20 mg once a day), also known as C3, and Gemcitabine (as per standard of care) for 2 years. If patients decline Gemcitabine, they will be offered the C3 medications only.
Interventions
DRUG
Gemcitabine and C3 (Metformin, Simvastatin, and Digoxin)
Combination treatment of Metformin, Simvastatin and Digoxin with Gemcitabine (Arm 1)
DRUG
C3 (Metformin, Simvastatin, and Digoxin) only
C3 only (Metformin, Simvastatin, and Digoxin) if patients decline Gemcitabine (Arm 2).
Primary outcome measures
Primary Outcome: Safety and tolerability
Time frame: 28 days
Number of participants with treatment-related Adverse Events as assessed by CTCAE v4.0
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
- Subject ≥18 years with histologically confirmed pancreatic cancer.
- Refractory, intolerant to, or with disease progression after at least one standard of care regimen.
- ECOG performance status (PS) 0-1.
- Pretreatment biopsy and/or adequate archival tissue available for BIRC5 protein level evaluation.
- Adequate organ and marrow function: absolute granulocyte count ≥1,000/mm3, platelets ≥100,000/mm3, total bilirubin ≤ institutional upper normal limit, AST/ALT ≤2x institutional upper limit of normal, and creatinine \<1.5 mg/dL or calculated creatinine clearance \> 60ml / min (Cockcroft-Gault Equation).
- Subject has recovered to CTCAE Grade 1 (except for alopecia) or better from all adverse events associated with prior therapy or surgery. Pre-existing motor or sensory neurologic pathology or symptoms must be recovered to CTCAE Grade 2 or better.
- If participant of childbearing potential, has a negative urine or serum pregnancy test. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a negative serum test will be required for study entry. Serum pregnancy tests will be conducted at the time of screening, when other blood draws are obtained (See Appendix III: Time-Table of Procedures).
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed protocol specific consent.
- Willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including undergoing treatment and scheduled visits and examinations including follow up.
- No known active infections at the time of enrollment as determined by negative procalcitonin level.
Exclusion criteria
- Anti-cancer chemotherapy, biologic therapy or immunotherapy within 3 weeks or radiation therapy within 2 weeks of first investigational product administration.
- Known history of other malignancy unless having undergone curative intent therapy without evidence of that disease for ≥ 3 years except cutaneous squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer, superficial bladder cancer, in situ cervical cancer or other in situ cancers are allowed if definitively resected.
- Brain metastases unless treated with curative intent (gamma knife or surgical resection) and without evidence of progression for ≥ 2 months.
- Known history of rhabdomyolysis.
- History of or current evidence of any condition (including medical, psychiatric or substance abuse disorder), therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the Investigator.
- Known chronic Hepatitis B or C infection.
- Have current active infection requiring systemic antibiotic treatment.
- History of severe allergic, anaphylactic, hypersensitivity reactions or previous intolerance to Metformin, Simvastatin, and/or Digoxin.
- Patients with significant cardiac disease or condition listed below (unless clearance obtained by cardiology):
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.
- Previous MI within last 6 months of C1D1.
- Evidence of residual electrographic pattern consistent with heart block., for example atrio-ventricular (AV) heart block (currently ongoing).
- History of ventricular fibrillation.
- Sick Sinus Syndrome or Sinus bradycardia thought to be caused by sinus node disease, unless effectively treated.
- Heart failure with preserved LVEF, including constructive pericarditis, and amyloid heart disease.
- Acute cor pulmonale, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and Amyloid heart muscle disease.
- Participants of childbearing potential who are found to be pregnant as evidenced by positive serum pregnancy test (minimum sensitivity 25 IU/L or equivalent units of HCG) or nursing.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with evaluation of study treatment or interpretation of patient safety or trial results.
- Cognitively impaired and diminished capacity.
Where
- Brooklyn, 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 Aug 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations