Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Management of Symptomatic Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

This study investigated an early, all-round support programme for individuals recently diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Known as the 14-EISCP, this 14-day programme aimed to provide essential care, such as pain management and nutritional support, right from the time cancer was first suspected. The main goal was to see if giving this focused supportive care early on could make a difference to patients' well-being and prepare them better for further cancer treatments. Researchers also wanted to check how practical and beneficial this approach was before patients started more intensive therapies like chemotherapy. It included people who were quite unwell at the time of diagnosis, aiming to improve their condition before treatment decisions were made.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

GERCOR - Multidisciplinary Oncology Cooperative Group

Enrolment target

110

Start

19 Dec 2016

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Pancreas Management Supportive Care Program

What is this study about?

This research study focused on people who had been newly diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, an organ in your tummy that helps with digestion and making hormones. When it's advanced, it means the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas.

The study explored whether providing a special, intensive 14-day care programme very early on could help these patients. This programme, called the 14-EISCP, brought together different types of support, like managing pain, making sure people received proper nutrition, and carrying out necessary tests or procedures – for example, putting in a tube (stent) to clear blockages. The idea was to get people feeling as well as possible before they began more standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Researchers wanted to find out if this early, all-round support was practical to deliver and how much it could help patients. After this 14-day programme, doctors would then decide on the best main treatment, such as specific types of chemotherapy, based on how the patient was feeling and their overall health. This study aimed to improve the starting point for patients facing a tough diagnosis.

Key takeaways

The study focused on early, all-round support for advanced pancreatic cancer.
It involved a 14-day care package to help with symptoms like pain and nutrition.
Care was given soon after diagnosis, before main cancer treatments started.
It aimed to improve patients' well-being and prepare them for future treatments.
Eligibility included being at least 18 years old and newly diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants needed to be at least 18 years old and have advanced pancreatic cancer that was confirmed by tests or strongly suspected from scans. It was specifically for people who were not feeling well enough at diagnosis to start strong chemotherapy treatments straight away.

Important points for joining included having no prior history of most other cancers, though some very specific past cancers like treated skin cancer or certain breast or cervical cancers were allowed if fully resolved for over three years. Participants also needed to be registered with the French National Health Care System.

There were a few reasons someone couldn't join. For example, if they were pregnant or breastfeeding, or if any personal situation might make it hard for them to follow the study plan. Also, if they weren't able to understand and agree to the study, they couldn't take part. The study was looking for people who specifically needed at least two types of care offered in the supportive programme, like help with pain or nutrition.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with, or do doctors strongly suspect, advanced pancreatic cancer?
Are you not feeling well enough to start strong chemotherapy right away?
Do you need help with symptoms like pain or nutrition?
Are you registered with the French healthcare system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you joined this study, you would first take part in a 14-day supportive care programme. This programme would start soon after your diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer, or even when it was strongly suspected. During these 14 days, you would receive various forms of care, which could include help with pain relief, nutritional advice and support, and any necessary tests or procedures like having a stent fitted. The exact care you received would be tailored to your needs, but you would require at least two of these types of support.

After the 14-day programme, the medical team would assess how you were doing. Based on your health and how you felt, they would then decide on the next steps for your cancer treatment. This could involve different types of chemotherapy or, if you were still very unwell, focusing on the best supportive care to manage your symptoms. The study doesn't specify the number of visits or the total duration of follow-up after the initial 14 days, but it would involve ongoing medical care as part of your treatment plan.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of receiving focused, early supportive care, including pain management and nutritional support, which could help improve how you feel before starting main cancer treatments. This early intervention could potentially make you stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead. As with any medical intervention, there could be risks associated with the procedures or treatments given during the supportive care programme, such as side effects from pain medication or risks related to diagnostic tests or stent placements. However, all care would be provided by medical professionals, and they would monitor you closely. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (12)

Institut Sainte Catherine
Verified postcode
Avignon, France
Hôpital Beaujon
Verified postcode
Clichy, France
Hôpital Henri Mondor
Verified postcode
Créteil, France
Institut Hospitalier Franco-Britannique
Verified postcode
Levallois-Perret, France
Centre Léon Bérard
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
CH Layne
Verified postcode
Mont-de-Marsan, France
Grope Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Hôpital Cochin
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Institut Mutualiste Montsouris
Verified postcode
Paris, France
Hopitaux du Léman
Verified postcode
Thonon-les-Bains, France
CHU Tours - Hôpital Trousseau
Verified postcode
Tours, France

Common questions

What is 'advanced pancreatic cancer'?

It means the pancreatic cancer has spread beyond where it started to other parts of your body.

What is 'supportive care'?

This is care given to improve your comfort and quality of life, focusing on managing symptoms like pain, tiredness, or poor appetite, rather than directly treating the cancer itself.

What is the '14-EISCP'?

It's a special 14-day early, intense supportive care programme designed to help people with advanced pancreatic cancer feel better and stronger soon after diagnosis.

Will I get cancer treatment in this study?

The study's focus is on early supportive care. After the 14-day programme, your doctors will decide the best main cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, based on your health at that time.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your ongoing medical care.