Clinical Research _______________
Clinical trials are carefully controlled studies in which patients volunteer to participate in the testing of new drugs, new combinations of drugs, or procedures. These research studies are necessary in the development of promising new treatments for serious diseases like cancer.
If you are considering taking part in a clinical trial, you should first discuss the possibility with your physician to determine whether you qualify. You can learn more about clinical trials by visiting Clinical Trials: What You Need To Know on the American Cancer Society's website.
For a listing of currently available oncology clinical trials nationwide, click here.
Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial
Title of Study: Z5041: A Phase II Study of Preoperative Gemcitabine and Erlotinib Plus Pancreatectomy and Postoperative Gemcitabine and Erlotinib for Patients with Operable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Status: Recruiting
Summary: This trial is being conducted to assess a new combination of chemotherapy drugs in treating localized pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed.
The research will evaluate the use of gemcitabine and erlotinib before surgery to decrease the size of the tumor and reduce the amount of normal tissue that will need to be removed. This same combination of chemotherapy drugs will be administered following surgery to kill any tumor cells that remain and prevent the cancer from returning.
Eligibility: To be eligible for this study, patients must be at least 18 years of age and have a confirmed diagnosis of localized adenocarcinoma of the pancreas that can be surgically removed and has not yet been treated.
NCT ID: NCTOO733746 (view record at ClinicalTrials.gov)
Principal Investigators:
Jason Heckman, MD: Attending Physician, Albany Liver and Pancreas Surgery, St. Peter's Hospital
Arthur Sunkin, MD: Attending Physician, Medical Oncology/Hematology, St. Peter's Hospital
Sponsor: American College of Surgeons Oncology Group
Collaborator: National Cancer Institute
Contact: For more information or to inquire about eligibility for this study, please call the Research Department at St. Peter's Cancer Care Center at 518-525-6739 or e-mail the Research Department.
Click here to download a memo and patient brochure for this clinical trial.