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

NCT ID NCT03652428

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.

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 adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • University of Maryland Medical Center/Maryland Proton Treatment Center

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact