Can a diabetes drug and special diet boost chemo for pancreatic cancer?
NCT ID NCT02336087
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-phase trial is testing whether adding the diabetes drug metformin and a specific dietary supplement (including curcumin, vitamins, and other natural compounds) to standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and abraxane) is safe and feasible for people with pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The study involves 21 participants and focuses on side effects and compliance, not on curing the disease. It is a small, exploratory step toward finding better ways to manage this aggressive cancer.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- gemcitabine, abraxane, metformin, and a dietary supplement (curcumin, vitamins, and other compounds)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a better way to control advanced pancreatic cancer by combining standard chemo with metformin and a special diet.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study (21 people) focused on safety and feasibility, not on proving effectiveness. The supplement mix is complex and may cause side effects or interactions.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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City of Hope Medical Center
Duarte, California, 91010, United States
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City of Hope Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730, United States
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City of Hope South Pasadena
South Pasadena, California, 91030, United States
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City of Hope West Covina
West Covina, California, 91790, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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