Could a common anesthetic slow pancreatic cancer spread?

NCT ID NCT04048278

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

Summary

This trial investigates whether a lidocaine infusion given during pancreatic cancer surgery can affect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) — cancer cells that may travel through the blood. Researchers will compare lidocaine to a saline placebo in patients undergoing robotic pancreatectomy. The goal is to see if lidocaine changes the activity of these cells, potentially reducing the risk of cancer spread.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Lidocaine Hydrochloride

What this could lead to

If lidocaine is found to affect cancer cell activity, it could point toward a new way to slow spread during surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase study with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. Lidocaine is generally safe but can cause side effects like dizziness or heart issues.

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 carcinoma with mixed differentiation 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: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • University of Illnois at Chicago

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

    Contact

    Contact

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

    Contact

    Contact

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

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact