Surgical radiation zaps pancreatic tumors from inside

NCT ID NCT03716531

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

Summary

This study tests whether giving a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor during surgery (intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT) can help people with pancreatic cancer that has grown into nearby blood vessels. Participants first receive standard chemotherapy and radiation, then undergo surgery with the IORT boost. The main goal is to see if this approach improves 2-year survival rates.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

electron beam intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could improve survival and local control for patients with pancreatic cancer that involves nearby blood vessels.

What could go wrong

This is a single-arm phase II study without a control group, so benefits are uncertain. The treatment is intensive and may not improve outcomes over standard care.

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 neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

  • Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

  • Mayo Clinic, Rochester

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

  • Ohio State University Medical Center

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

  • University of California, Irvine

    Irvine, California, 92697, United States

  • University of North, Carolina Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States