Pulsed Electric Field Ablation for Pancreatic Cancer

TO
Overseen ByThe Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new, minimally invasive treatment for pancreatic cancer that uses electric pulses to destroy tumor cells. It targets individuals with pancreatic cysts or certain small tumors who are not suitable candidates for surgery. Known as Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Electric Field Ablation, the treatment uses a tiny needle to deliver electric bursts, targeting and killing tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Patients diagnosed with a pancreatic neoplasm, such as a cyst or small tumor, who cannot undergo surgery might be suitable candidates.

As an unphased trial, this study provides patients with access to innovative treatment options that could potentially improve their condition.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial team or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation is safe for pancreatic neoplasms?

Research has shown that endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation might safely and effectively treat pancreatic tumors. Early results indicate that patients generally tolerate this treatment well. The procedure uses quick bursts of electricity to target and destroy tumor cells while sparing nearby healthy tissue. This approach reduces the risk of damaging critical areas around the tumor, potentially making it safer than more invasive treatments.

Although detailed safety data remains unavailable, related studies have not reported significant side effects, suggesting safety. As this treatment is still under investigation, participating in a clinical trial will help researchers learn more about its safety and effectiveness.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard care options for pancreatic cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation offers a unique approach. This treatment uses short bursts of electric fields to disrupt cancer cell membranes, leading to cell death without the need for incisions or systemic drugs. Researchers are excited about PEF ablation because it targets tumors directly with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue, which may reduce side effects and improve recovery times. Additionally, this method is delivered via endoscopic ultrasound, which allows precise targeting of the tumor, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.

What evidence suggests that endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation is effective for pancreatic cancer?

Research has shown that pulsed electric field ablation offers promise as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. This method uses strong electrical bursts to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Early findings suggest it can serve as a safer, less invasive alternative to surgery. In some studies, patients experienced smaller tumors and better outcomes when this treatment was combined with chemotherapy. Although researchers continue to study the technique, early results encourage those seeking new ways to manage pancreatic cancer. Participants in this trial will undergo endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation to further evaluate its effectiveness.12456

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Somashekar G Krishna, MD, MPH

Principal Investigator

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people diagnosed with pancreatic tumors, including certain types of pancreatic cancer or precancerous cysts, who may benefit from a minimally invasive treatment instead of surgery. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria are not detailed here.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a pancreatic cyst at least 2 cm or a grade I neuroendocrine tumor at least 1 cm.
My doctor expects me to live at least one more year.
I am older than 18 years.
See 6 more

Exclusion Criteria

Any evidence of severe or uncontrolled systemic diseases or laboratory findings making participation unsafe per investigator's opinion
Pregnancy or breast-feeding
Clinical frailty scale indicating exclusion
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration followed by pulsed electric field ablation

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

3 years
Visits at 3 and 6 months, then annually for 3 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Electric Field Ablation

Trial Overview

The study tests the safety and practicality of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation—a procedure using brief electrical pulses through a needle to destroy tumor tissue in the pancreas while sparing healthy areas. Medical records and biopsies may also be reviewed.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Treatment (EUS-PEF)Experimental Treatment3 Interventions

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
350
Recruited
295,000+

Citations

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pulsed Electric Field ...

This clinical trial tests the safety and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided pulsed electric field ablation for the treatment of ...

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Treatment of Pancreatic ...

This review summarizes the current literature on EUS-guided ablation, highlighting clinical outcomes, limitations, and techniques, while ...

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for ...

In their study, the efficacy outcomes included tumor size reduction, serum CA 19-9 levels, MRI diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) apparent diffusion coefficient ( ...

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation ...

Surgical resection is the only potential curative option for pancreatic cancer, and only 15-20% of patients are candidates for surgical ...

Clinical outcomes of EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation for ...

EUS-RFA is technically feasible and safe for the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer. EUS-RFA combined with systemic chemotherapy may be associated ...

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of ...

The key metrics for efficacy included tumor size reduction, pain relief, and overall survival, while safety outcomes focused on procedural complications