Robot or scalpel? european trial tests less invasive pancreatic cancer surgery

NCT ID NCT04483726

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This trial compares two types of surgery for pancreatic cancer in the body or tail of the pancreas: minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robot-assisted) versus traditional open surgery. The goal is to see if the less invasive approach can remove the tumor just as completely. Adults with resectable pancreatic cancer who are fit for either surgery type may join.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (laparoscopic or robot-assisted)
What this could lead to: If minimally invasive surgery proves as effective as open surgery, it could offer patients a less painful recovery with similar cancer outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small early-phase trial, so results may not be definitive. Minimally invasive surgery may not remove the tumor as completely as open surgery in some cases.

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

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

adenocarcinoma neoplasm pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

CHU Saint Eloi - Montpellier

Montpellier, France
Centre Hospitalier Orléans

Orléans, France
Hôpital Beaujon - APHP

Clichy, France
Hôpital Paul Brousse

Villejuif, France
Institut Mutualiste Montsouris

Paris, France

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