Can zapping pancreatic tumors with heat before surgery boost Chemo's power?

NCT ID NCT04990609

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial is testing whether combining standard chemotherapy with a procedure that uses heat to destroy cancer cells can shrink pancreatic tumors before surgery. The approach uses an endoscope guided by ultrasound to deliver radiofrequency ablation directly to the tumor. Researchers want to see if this combination helps more patients become eligible for surgery and improves treatment response.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation plus standard-of-care neoadjuvant chemotherapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this combination could shrink pancreatic tumors enough to make surgery less invasive and more effective, potentially improving survival.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase, single-arm trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Radiofrequency ablation carries risks of bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs.

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.

pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA (PDAC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Memorial Hermann Hospital
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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