Old drug, new hope: ATRA combo targets tough pancreatic cancer

NCT ID NCT04241276

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase IIb trial tests whether adding ATRA (a vitamin A derivative) to standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) can help people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer live longer without their cancer growing. About 170 participants will receive either the combo or standard chemo. The main goal is to see if the new mix delays tumor progression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

ATRA (tretinoin) plus gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a new treatment option that slows the growth of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with 170 people, so results are not yet proven. The drug combination may not work better than standard chemo and could cause side effects.

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 ductal adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Barts NHS Trust

    London, United Kingdom