Proton beam plus chemo: a new hope for pancreatic cancer?

NCT ID NCT03652428

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study is testing a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) with a precise type of radiation called proton therapy for people with locally advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The goal is to find the highest safe dose of the chemo drugs when given with the radiation. Participants will receive proton therapy daily for three weeks and chemo once a week during that time.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (chemotherapy drugs) plus proton radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a more effective treatment option for locally advanced pancreatic cancer that may shrink tumors and improve survival.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 24 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination of chemo and radiation can cause significant side effects.

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.

malignant pancreatic neoplasm pancreatic adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LOCALLY ADVANCED PANCREATIC CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
RECRUITING

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States
University of Maryland Medical Center/Maryland Proton Treatment Center
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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