NCT05296421 · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Investigating Targetable Metabolic Pathways Sustaining Pancreatic Cancer
What this study is about
This clinical trial investigates the nutrients pancreatic cancers depend on in which to survive and the processes these tumors use (metabolism) to obtain these nutrients. Giving U-13C-glucose during surgery may allow doctors to trace the metabolic activity of pancreatic cancer in research experiments done in the laboratory.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial investigates the nutrients pancreatic cancers depend on in which to survive and the processes these tumors use (metabolism) to obtain these nutrients. Giving U-13C-glucose during surgery may allow doctors to trace the metabolic activity of pancreatic cancer in research experiments done in the laboratory. These experiments may help researchers understand how cancer cells manage their nutrients when compared to normal pancreatic cells.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Biopsy
Undergo biopsy
PROCEDURE
Therapeutic Conventional Surgery
Undergo surgery
OTHER
Uniformly-labeled [13C]glucose
Given IV
Primary outcome measures
To measure glycolysis metabolism dependencies via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
Time frame: Up to 2 years
To describe and discover new insights into the glucose metabolic dependencies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The measure is to analyze in vivo U13C-glucose labeled pancreatic cancer biopsies. The blood collection will to allow for in depth evaluation of glycolysis metabolism
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
- Male or female patients \>= 18 years of age
- Pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients, previously diagnosed by biopsy, who are candidates for intended curative resection either with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- Willing to undergo mandatory intraoperative small excisional and core biopsies (4-6 passes) of tumor and normal tissue for research purposes at the time of proposed pancreatectomy
- 16 patients will be enrolled including 8 with no prior treatment and 8 treated with at least 3 months of neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- All patients must be able to understand the investigational nature of the study and give written informed consent prior to study entry
Exclusion criteria
- Patients receiving any anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or biologic therapy) for 8 patients; the other 8 patients will be treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy but no radiation, biologic or immunotherapy prior to surgery
- Is currently enrolled, or will enroll in, a different clinical study in which investigational therapeutic procedures are performed or investigational therapies are administered while participating in this study
- Concomitant active malignancy
- Is of child-bearing potential who has not had a recent negative pregnancy test done outside of this clinical trial (i.e., as part of standard preparation for diagnosis and treatment for her cancer)
Where
- Livingston, New Jersey
- New Brunswick, New Jersey
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 May 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations