The project
This study aims to assess whether targeted radiotherapy (SABR) in addition to drug treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread can improve outcomes. It looks at the use of radiotherapy in 2 specific scenarios: 1) When cancer that continues to grow in limited areas of the body despite being on drug treatment. 2) When the cancer has spread to limited sites in the body, and has not completely gone away after drug treatment.
What are they going to do?
Patients who are eligible for the study will be randomised (i.e. treatment allocated by chance) to either targeted radiotherapy (SABR) to active cancer sites or standard treatment. Patients who allocated to radiotherapy will resume drug treatment after radiotherapy. Patients will be followed up for at least 2 years. Outcomes including tumour control and survival rates, side effects and quality of life will be collected. Additional blood tests, biopsies and scans will be offered on a voluntary basis as part of the study.
Why is this research important?
There have been exciting new developments with drug treatments (PanRAS inhibitors) in pancreas cancer, however in most patients, it eventually stops working and the cancer starts to grow. This study investigates if targeted radiotherapy to growing or residual areas of cancer while on drug treatment improves survival and quality of life of patients with pancreatic cancer on drug treatments. The study will also look at the interaction between radiotherapy, new drug treatments (PanRAS inhibitors) and the immune system, to explore new strategies for treating pancreatic cancer.
How to get involved
We would like to invite one or two patient involvement representative to form part of the trial development group/trials management group to help inform the study design and ongoing governance of the study. This is open to anyone affected by pancreatic cancer including patients, survivors, carers and loved ones. It would be favourable to have people who have had experience undergoing radiotherapy or drug treatments.
Currently trial develop meetings are held once a month, lasting approximately 1 hour each time. Meetings are held virtually.
No scientific background or prior experience is needed to take part in this opportunity.
Next steps
If you are interested in joining the steering group or would like more information, please email Owen (owen.nicholas@wales.nhs.uk) quoting the involvement reference ‘PCUK RIN Participation’.
