AuthorisedPhase II and Phase III (Integrated)Interventional

A national randomised multi-centre phase II/III trial using MesoPher in ABC borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (PREOPANC-6 trial)

This research is investigating a new treatment called MesoPher for a specific type of pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is called 'borderline resectable,' meaning surgery might be possible but it's a difficult case. The study is split into two main parts. The first part checks if the new treatment can stop the cancer from getting worse or coming back. The second, larger part, looks at whether the treatment helps people live longer. Researchers will also be checking how safe the treatment is, if it causes side effects, and how it affects patients' quality of life. The goal is to find better ways to treat this challenging cancer.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Phase II and Phase III (Integrated)

Sponsor

Erasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC)

Enrolment target

143

Start

11 May 2026

ABC borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

What is this study about?

This study is an important piece of research looking for better ways to treat a specific type of pancreatic cancer. This type is called 'borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.' This means the cancer is located in a way that makes surgery very tricky, but it might still be an option. The study is testing a new treatment called MesoPher. Think of it like comparing a new recipe to a well-known one to see which tastes better and is healthier in the long run.

This research is happening in two main stages, called Phase II and Phase III. In Phase II, doctors are making sure the treatment is safe and looking for early signs that it's working to stop the cancer from growing or coming back. They'll also be checking how the treatment affects the body's immune system. In Phase III, if the early signs are promising, more patients will take part, and the main goal will be to see if the new treatment helps people live longer compared to standard care.

The ultimate aim of this study is to provide hope for people with this challenging form of pancreatic cancer. By carefully studying this new treatment, doctors hope to find out if it can improve how long people live, keep the cancer away for longer, and maintain a good quality of life. This kind of research is vital for developing new and more effective treatments for cancer.

Key takeaways

This study is for a specific type of pancreatic cancer that is challenging to treat.
It's testing a new treatment called MesoPher.
The study aims to see if MesoPher can improve how long people live and prevent cancer recurrence.
Researchers will also track side effects and quality of life.
Participation involves regular hospital visits, blood tests, and scans.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. Both men and women can take part. You would also need to have been diagnosed with ABC borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

The research team will have specific medical criteria to decide if this study is right for you, ensuring it's safe and that the results will be clear. This might include certain health conditions you have, or treatments you've had in the past.

Since this is an early stage of testing a new treatment, not everyone with pancreatic cancer will be eligible. The doctors will carefully review your medical history to see if you meet all the necessary requirements.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have ABC borderline resectable pancreatic cancer?
Are you able to travel to study appointments?
Are you willing to complete questionnaires about your health?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive the new treatment, MesoPher, or a standard treatment. You will have regular appointments with the study doctors and nurses. These visits will involve blood tests to check how you're responding to the treatment and to monitor your general health. You will also have scans to see how the cancer is responding.

The study will also ask you to complete questionnaires about your quality of life. These help the doctors understand how the treatment affects your daily living and overall well-being. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and the study plan, but there will be ongoing follow-up to monitor your health over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a clinical trial offers the chance to access a new treatment that might be more effective than current options, potentially slowing your cancer or helping you live longer. However, there's no guarantee the new treatment will work for you, and it may have side effects, some of which are not yet fully known. The study team will carefully monitor you for any problems. You are entirely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

—
Netherlands

Common questions

What is 'borderline resectable' pancreatic cancer?

It means the cancer is very close to or involves important blood vessels, making surgery tricky but potentially still possible.

What is MesoPher?

MesoPher is the new treatment being tested in this study. We don't have more details here, but the study aims to learn more about it.

Will I definitely get the new treatment?

This is a 'randomised' study, meaning you might get the new treatment or a standard treatment, like flipping a coin. You won't know which until the study is over.

What is the purpose of the quality of life questionnaires?

These help doctors understand how treatments affect your daily life and overall well-being, not just the cancer itself.

How long will I be in the study if I join?

Your involvement in the study will continue as long as the treatment is working for you and as required by the study protocol, with ongoing follow-up appointments.