This randomized clinical trial studies metformin hydrochloride in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that can be removed by surgery. Metformin hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), representing 85-95% of pancreatic cancers, is a highly lethal malignancy with a dismal 5-year survival rate below 8%. Emerging evidence highlights the critical need for non-invasive imaging biomarkers to stratify prognosis and guide therapeutic strategies. Notably, the biomechanical properties of PDAC-associated extracellular matrix (ECM), characterized by extensive interstitial fibrosis, are intrinsically linked to tumorigenesis, progression, and metastatic dissemination. Three-dimensional magnetic resonance elastography (3D-MRE), as an advanced imaging modality, enables precise quantification of tissue shear stiffness in both normal pancreatic parenchyma and neoplastic lesions. Significantly, the biomechanical heterogeneity captured by MRE holds untapped potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker for PDAC. Despite its technical merits, no studies to date have systematically explored MRE-derived imaging signatures in predicting PDAC survival outcomes or therapeutic responses, underscoring a pivotal gap in translational oncology research.
This study is designed to compare the treatment effect of PEGPH20 combined with nab-paclitaxel (NAB) and gemcitabine (GEM) [PAG] to NAB and GEM [AG] in participants with Stage IV previously untreated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).
The study will have 2 run-in phases, one for each formulation of PEGPH20 (original and new formulations), and a Phase 2 portion. The 2 run-in phases will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the PAG treatment using the original and new succinic acid PEGPH20 formulation, respectively, compared with AG treatment. Phase 2 will have 2 stages due to a partial clinical hold that occurred from April through July 2014. The participants will be randomized in 3:1 for the run-in phases. The first stage will randomize participants in a 1:1 ratio. The second stage will randomize participants in a 2:1 ratio (PAG:AG).
This is an open-label study. To minimize bias to the progression-free survival endpoint, disease progression will be based on the assessment of the Central Imaging Reader (CIR). Determination of clinical progression by the Investigator without corresponding CIR confirmation will be documented with the relevant signs and symptoms.
The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of azacitidine and gemcitabine in subjects with previously untreated and unresectable pancreatic cancer. Also to determine the effect of azacitidine therapy on DNA methylation in peripheral blood cells.
NOTE: This is a research study and is not meant to be a substitute for clinical genetic testing. Families may never receive results from the study or may receive results many years from the time they enroll. If you are interested in clinical testing please consider seeing a local genetic counselor or other genetics professional. If you have already had clinical genetic testing and meet eligibility criteria for this study as shown in the Eligibility Section, you may enroll regardless of the results of your clinical genetic testing.
While it is well recognized that hereditary factors contribute to the development of a subset of human cancers, the cause for many cancers remains unknown. The application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has expanded knowledge in the field of hereditary cancer predisposition. Currently, more than 100 cancer predisposing genes have been identified, and it is now estimated that approximately 10% of all cancer patients have an underlying genetic predisposition.
The purpose of this protocol is to identify novel cancer predisposing genes and/or genetic variants. For this study, the investigators will establish a Data Registry linked to a Repository of biological samples. Health information, blood samples and occasionally leftover tumor samples will be collected from individuals with familial cancer. The investigators will use NGS approaches to find changes in genes that may be important in the development of familial cancer. The information gained from this study may provide new and better ways to diagnose and care for people with hereditary cancer.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
* Establish a registry of families with clustering of cancer in which clinical data are linked to a repository of cryopreserved blood cells, germline DNA, and tumor tissues from the proband and other family members.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
* Identify novel cancer predisposing genes and/or genetic variants in families with clustering of cancer for which the underlying genetic basis is unknown.
The proposal is to implement a molecular screening program for advanced/metastatic pancreatic cancer patients before the initiation of 1st line treatment in order to allow a better selection of patients for rationale personalized medicine with targeted agents and/or combination involving a chemotherapy backbone.
Pancreatic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) could therefore be an alternative to the monitoring of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and more particularly nonfunctioning PNETs (NF-PNETs), which is costly and anxiety-inducing for patients. To date, only a few small studies have evaluated this treatment and the results are encouraging. It appears necessary to consider a large-scale study to ensure the efficacy and low morbidity of pancreatic RFA applied to PNETs.
DAYBREAK is a prospective, multi-omics, observational study aimed at early detecting pancreatic cancer by combined assays for biomarkers of cfDNA methylation, serum protein markers, blood miRNA markers and others, in which of 450 participants will be enrolled. The development and validation of the model will be conducted in participants with early stage cancers and benign disease through a two-stage approach. The sensitivity and specificity of the model in pancreatic cancer early detection will be evaluated.
This is a randomized prospective clinical study comparing a fine needle biopsy device and an aspiration needle.
This study is designed to determine whether an investigational drug combination consisting of Gemzar®, Taxotere®, and Xeloda®, (called GTX) is safe and effective in treating advanced pancreatic cancer and to study and enhance the utility of PET scans in the evaluation of patients with pancreatic cancer.
