Does surgery spread pancreatic cancer? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT03435536

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Toulouse Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looked at 35 people having surgery for pancreatic cancer to see if moving the tumor during the operation causes more cancer DNA to enter the bloodstream. Researchers took blood samples before, during, and after surgery to track these DNA levels. The goal was to better understand how surgery might affect cancer spread, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors understand if surgery itself causes cancer cells to spread, potentially leading to better surgical techniques or monitoring strategies.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early pilot study with only 35 participants. It is designed to gather information, not to test a treatment, so it may not lead to any direct changes in patient care.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

exocrine pancreatic carcinoma malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RESECTABLE PANCREATIC CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University Hospital

Toulouse, 31059, France

More trials for these conditions

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