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Headshot of Ashwin Somasundaram
Principal Investigator Ashwin Somasundaram, MD.

We have recently been added as a study location for two phase I clinical trials currently recruiting patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The first study (NCT05411094) will test two anti-cancer drugs in combination with radiation therapy for locally advanced PDAC that cannot be surgically removed. Investigators hope to see if radiation with immunotherapy is safe and effective in patients who have not had success with radiation alone. Eligible participants must have received at least 16 weeks of first-line therapy without progression.

The second study (NCT05685602) will evaluate whether adding a kinase inhibitor to standard chemotherapy can safely shrink or stabilize metastatic or unresectable PDAC. Kinase inhibitors are a class of medications that block abnormal proteins from multiplying and prevent further growth of cancer cells. Investigators are seeking to find the safest dose that can be paired with the standard chemotherapy regimen to effectively address PDAC while minimizing adverse side effects. Eligible participants must have received initial chemotherapy.

If you or someone you know might be eligible for and interested in one of these trials, you can contact the studies’ coordinator Catherine Griffin by calling 984-974-8771 or sending an email. For information about other ongoing pancreatic cancer trials at UNC Lineberger, please visit the Clinical Trials section of our website.

—Tyler Rice, UNC Lineberger Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence