Blood test may reveal if chemo is working for pancreatic cancer patients

NCT ID NCT04616131

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study is testing whether a blood test that looks for tumor DNA (ctDNA) can help predict how well pancreatic cancer patients respond to chemotherapy. Researchers will track ctDNA levels before, during, and after treatment in 500 patients whose cancer has not spread. The goal is to see if the test can give doctors an early sign of whether the treatment is working.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test that helps doctors know sooner whether chemotherapy is working for pancreatic cancer patients.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly improve outcomes, and the blood test may not prove reliable enough for routine use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PANCREAS CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PANCREAS CANCER

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Delnor
RECRUITING

Geneva, Illinois, 60135, United States
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Kishwaukee
RECRUITING

DeKalb, Illinois, 60115, United States
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville
RECRUITING

Warrenville, Illinois, 60555, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.