RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine hydrochloride and oxaliplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Erlotinib hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving gemcitabine hydrochloride and oxaliplatin together with erlotinib hydrochloride may kill more tumor cells.
PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of erlotinib hydrochloride when given together with gemcitabine hydrochloride and oxaliplatin in treating patients with advanced biliary tract cancer, pancreatic cancer, duodenal cancer, or ampullary cancer.
The purpose of this research project is to determine if pancreatic cyst fluid can be diluted and provide an accurate Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) level. The investigators hypothesis is that pancreatic cyst fluid obtained by EUS-FNA can be diluted effectively and accurately for the measurement of CEA levels.
RATIONALE: Sunitinib malate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the tyrosine kinases needed for angiogenesis and cell growth. It is not yet known whether sunitinib malate is effective as maintenance therapy in delaying tumor progression in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who are progression-free after 6 months of induction chemotherapy.
PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying sunitinib malate as maintenance therapy to see how well it works compared with observation in avoiding tumor progression after induction chemotherapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
This study compare the efficacy of Astragalus combined with Gemcitabine to Gemcitabine alone as neoadjuvant treatment for pancreatic cancer.
This phase II trial tests whether 68Ga-FAPI-46 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scan works to image cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized). CAFs are a type of connective tissue cell that are found within or near cancerous tissue. Many CAFs express a protein called fibroblast activation protein (FAP) that are not found on healthy cells in large amounts. 68Ga-FAPI-46 is a radioactive chemical compound designed to circulate through the body and attach itself to FAP on PDA cells. A PET/CT scan is then used to detect the location of FAP lesions. PET scan is a procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is taken up. Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. CT scan is a procedure that uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create 3-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. Combining a PET scan with a CT scan can help make the image easier to interpret. PET/CT scans are hybrid scanners that combine both modalities into a single scan during the same examination. Giving 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT may help doctors improve upon the diagnosis and management of PDA.
The goal of this clinical research study is to compare the performance of a newly available needle with reverse bevel design (called the EchoTip® Procore™ needle) with standard needles to see which needle gives better diagnostic information for pancreatic lesions.
Celiac plexus neurolysis (CPN) has been performed for nearly 100 years to alleviate the abdominal pain associated with pancreatic malignancy and other conditions, and is usually undertaken at a late stage in the disease process, when analgesic options have been largely exhausted or have led to significant and often unacceptable side effects. Until recently, CPN was most commonly performed under radiographic guidance; however, in the last 10 years, CPN has been routinely performed under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. Several case series have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this technique when used to treat the pain associated with pancreatic malignancy and/or chronic pancreatitis. However, the efficacy of EUS-guided CPN in the treatment of pain related to non-pancreatic malignancies has yet to be described. The goal of this study is to assess the efficacy of EUS-guided CPN in the management of pain in patients with abdominal non-pancreatic malignancies. Our hypothesis is that EUS-guided CPN will provide adequate pain relief in these patients.
Pain is a common problem in patients with pancreatic cancer. Some patients suffer from pain despite medication. We, the researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, are conducting a Phase III study to determine the effects of acupuncture on pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. The purpose of a Phase III study is to determine whether or not a treatment is helpful. This study will include about 60 patients.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin to treat symptoms. In recent years, researchers have found evidence that acupuncture is useful in treating a variety of conditions, including headache, nausea, and pain.
To improve progression free survival in high risk patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have node positive disease, margin positive disease, and/or elevation in CA 19-9 treated with CC-486 (oral azacitidine) as compared to observation after completion of adjuvant therapy.
This phase I/II trial assesses the safety and effectiveness of total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation for the treatment of patients with long-term pancreatic inflammation (chronic pancreatitis) and non-cancerous (benign) pancreatic tumors. Total removal of the pancreas (pancreatectomy) can be used to treat chronic pancreatitis, but it may result in diabetes. An islet cell autotransplantation involves removing cells from a patient's pancreas (the islet cells) and infusing them into the liver. Islet cells are responsible for producing hormones like insulin, reducing the occurrence of diabetes in patients undergoing total pancreatectomy. Total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplant is an accepted and Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic tumors have historically not been candidates for this procedure due to concerns of spreading potentially cancerous cells to other parts of the body. This clinical trial evaluates the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis and benign pancreatic tumors.
