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Writer's pictureHaytham Elsalhat

Clinical trials for pancreatic cancer: Are they right for you?

Pancreatic cancer has proven to be one of the aggressive types of cancers, with fewer than a handful of therapeutic options, coupled with a high mortality rate. However, with clinical trials, hope comes from the way it allows patients access to treatments that would not be in the market without such initiatives. At the moment when a patient receives the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, joining a clinical trial may be the doorway to better outcomes and more years of survival.


In this blog, we shall be discussing some clinical trials that are available, the criteria required to participate in them, and how these can open new avenues for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer.


 What Are Clinical Trials?


Clinical trials are research studies that are conducted on the safety and efficacy of drugs, procedures, and other treatments in humans. Such trials are preceded by a highly scientific process, whereby new therapies are challenged extensively before they reach the general public.


Clinical trials are divided into phases:


1. Phase I Trials: The primary studies for testing the safety and dosage of new treatments.

2. Phase II Trials: This is the stage when the effectiveness of the new treatment is carried out in a larger group of patients.

3. Phase III Trials: It is an even greater number of participants than phase II, as it contrasts the new treatment with the traditional standard treatment already on hand.

4. Phase IV Trials: These are performed after the new treatment has been licensed and is in the marketplace. These studies test long-term effectiveness and any side effects.


Patients who take part in a clinical trial are among the first to receive new treatments, long before they are available to the general public and advancing treatments for cancer in the future.

 

 Why Consider Clinical Trials for Pancreatic Cancer?


Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, so there is not much that can be done with standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Clinical trials may provide a patient with a chance to access new therapies that could substantially shift the disease course.


Benefits of entering a pancreatic cancer clinical trial

Possible benefits from participation in a pancreatic cancer clinical trial:


- New Drugs or Treatments: Patients are exposed to new medications or treatments, which can be stronger than those in use.

- Comprehensive Medical Care: All patients undergoing clinical trials are closely followed by medical experts. This means that there is an assurance of quality health in the treatment.

- Contributing to Medical Science: Patients contributing to scientific knowledge that may benefit patients with pancreatic cancer.

Who Qualifies to Take Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials?


For each trial, there is a specific eligibility requirement that must be satisfied by the subjects. These are conducted not only for the validation of outcomes to be obtained from the study but also to find every necessary step in determining the eligibility requirements. Factors usually affecting the eligibility level involve:

 

Cancer Stage: Some studies are meant for the early stages of the disease, while others are meant for those at an advanced or metastatic stage.

-Study History: The patients can enroll in these studies if they have had other treatments in the past, for instance, surgery or chemotherapy.

General Health: The general health status that may factor in the qualification, including liver and kidney functions, heart condition, and strength of the system as a whole, may indicate whether one meets the qualification for a trial.

  • Age and Gender: Age and gender can also be limited in some studies.

  • Genetic Profile: Some of the clinical trials target people with known genetic defects, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are commonly seen in pancreatic cancer patients.

If you have interest in participating in a clinical trial, your oncologist will discuss with you the possibility of qualifying and assist you in finding your way through the application process.


 Types of Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials


There are different clinical trials regarding this particular cancer of the pancreas and a wide range of treatments are tested from new drugs intake to experiments that will be conducted on the new surgical techniques. Among them is the common type of drug trials.

Drug testing is based on assessing new drugs or mixtures of drugs in terms of their ability to treat pancreatic cancer. It mainly focuses on targeted therapies that target one particular kind of cancerous cell but do not harm the normal cells of the body. Immunotherapy is some other type of treatment, involving increasing the body's immune system that fights against cancer cells more effectively.


2. Radiation Therapy Trials

One of the most commonly utilized treatments is radiation therapy to target cancer cells and eliminate them. Clinical research can study new radiotherapies or other treatment combinations, to be used with radiation therapy, to enhance treatment impact .


3. Surgical Trials

Surgical trials can cover new surgical techniques and the timing of surgery to enhance patient outcomes. These trials are important in establishing the best ways to remove or to reduce tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.


4. Germline or Biomarker Testing Studies

Some pancreatic cancers are associated with genetic alterations. There are clinical trials on germline or biomarker testing focusing on determining treatments that may be tailored to individual patients based on their genetic profiles. Precision medicine is very promising for treating various diseases.

 

5. Supportive Care Studies

Not all clinical trials aim at treatment of cancer. Many clinical trials aim at improving the quality of life in terms of symptom reduction such as the alleviation of pain, fatigue, or emotional distress in cancer patients. Clinical trials that involve palliative care are conducted to improve the quality of life when living with treatment to control symptoms.


Risks and Concerns About Entering a Clinical Trial


Clinical trials bring hope to people and do not come without risks. Before entering a trial, the risks or hard choices one has to make are:


Some of them, in fact, are new treatments that have yet to be tested for any discovered side effects.  They may not even be potent.

- Time Consumption: In some cases, patients have to visit the hospital often, go for frequent tests, and stay under close observation, taking quite some time.

-research cost: although most of the trials offer free treatment, you will require dollars for travel or accommodation. Discuss this with the organizers

-placebo group: in some, you are randomly put in a placebo control group where you will receive treatment standard instead of experimental.


Discussing these risks with your healthcare professional will help you determine if a clinical trial is appropriate for you.


 How to Find Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials


It can be a bit daunting trying to find a proper clinical trial for pancreatic cancer, but there are so many resources that can help a patient find a proper clinical trial. Ask your oncologist first, who may know of any active trials in your region. There are also online databases that list current clinical trials for pancreatic cancer:


- Clinical Trials.gov: This website contains a comprehensive list of clinical trials conducted anywhere in the world along with in-depth descriptions of what these trials are and who would qualify.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network This organisation provides you with information about pancreas cancer clinical trials, and connects you up with others like them.

Cancer Research UK For UK residents, there's a database provided by Cancer Research UK, which can be searched based on your preference for a specific disease, such as pancreatic cancer.


Being so personal and private, a clinical trial decision is considerably important in weighing both the benefits and risks. Your healthcare team will ensure you receive proper knowledge of your opportunities in order to make informed choices.


Final Thoughts


The clinician is now in a position to provide possibly life-saving hope to the patient with pancreatic cancer who is eager for some new innovative therapies and, of course, there is the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of treatment and potentially to improve the patient's own prognosis.


If you or your family member is interested in enrolling into a pancreatic cancer clinical trial, begin by asking your oncologist for guidance. This is the first step towards getting matched to the most suitable clinical trials for your specific medical history and condition.


Active trials can be accessed by contacting Dr. Haytham El Salhat at +971-24944558, or on WhatsApp at +971-504492281.





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