Heartburn drug tested against pancreatic cancer in early trial

NCT ID NCT04930991

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

Summary

This early-phase study tested whether high doses of omeprazole, a common heartburn medication, could safely change certain markers in pancreatic tumors. The trial planned to enroll 25 patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer who were scheduled for surgery. Participants took omeprazole for 12–14 days before their operation, and researchers looked at safety and changes in tumor biomarkers. The study was terminated, so results are limited.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

omeprazole (a common heartburn drug, given at high doses)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a way to make pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment by altering the tumor environment.

What could go wrong

This was a very early (phase 0) study with only 25 patients, and it was terminated early, so results are limited. High-dose omeprazole may cause side effects or not affect the tumor at all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

exocrine pancreatic carcinoma malignant exocrine pancreas neoplasm pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Stephenson Cancer Center

    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States