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

NCT ID NCT03484299

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.

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.

malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Louisville

    RECRUITING

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact