Zapping tumors with electricity: a new hope for pancreatic cancer?

NCT ID NCT03484299

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Louisville Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-stage trial tests a procedure called irreversible electroporation (IRE), which uses electric pulses to destroy tumor cells, combined with standard chemotherapy drugs (gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX). The study includes 20 adults with stage III pancreatic cancer that hasn't spread. The main goal is to see if the combination is safe and tolerable, and researchers will also track how long the cancer stays under control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) plus chemotherapy (gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX)
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a new way to treat locally advanced pancreatic cancer by combining a tumor-zapping procedure with standard chemotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 20 people, so it's mainly checking safety. The procedure is invasive and may cause serious side effects, and it's not yet known if it helps people live longer.

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 LOCALLY ADVANCED PANCREATIC ADENOCARCINOMA 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

Locations

University of Louisville
RECRUITING

Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

More trials for these conditions

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