American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) Pancreatic Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Registry
This study is setting up a registry, which is like a central database, for people in the UK with pancreatic cancer who are having a treatment called Irreversible Electroporation (IRE). The main goal is to collect information on how doctors choose this treatment and how patients get on with it. This will help build a strong understanding of IRE, so medical professionals can provide the best possible care. They also want to learn about any problems or concerns doctors and patients might have had with this treatment in the past. This isn't a new drug trial; it's about observing and recording real-world experiences with an existing procedure.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a hospital where doctors are trying a new way to treat pancreatic cancer, but they want to make sure they're giving the best possible care. This study, led by a group called the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA), is creating a big online database, called a registry. Think of it like a carefully organised collection of notes about patients who have a treatment called Irreversible Electroporation, or IRE, for their pancreatic cancer. The main aim is to understand how and when doctors decide to use IRE and how it works out for patients.
By gathering all this information in one place, doctors can learn from each other's experiences. This helps them improve the treatment choices they offer and aim for the best results for people with pancreatic cancer. It's especially focused on understanding IRE for pancreatic tumours that can't be removed by surgery and to discover any problems or difficulties that have come up with this treatment before.
This isn't about testing a new medicine or a completely new procedure. Instead, it's about carefully watching and recording what happens when people receive IRE, a treatment that's already in use. The information gathered will be used to make sure doctors are providing the best care possible to patients needing surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Key takeaways
- The study is creating a database (registry) about IRE treatment for pancreatic cancer.
- It aims to improve doctors' understanding of IRE and patient care.
- No new treatments or extra appointments are involved for participants.
- It focuses on learning from real-world experiences with IRE.
- Information collected will help future patients with pancreatic cancer.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this registry, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Your doctor would also need to have decided that a specific treatment called soft tissue ablation, which includes IRE, is suitable for you.
There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to be included. For example, if you have a heart pacemaker or a special heart device called an ICD, this study wouldn't be right for you. Also, if you have any metal implants that can't be removed near where the treatment would be given, or if you've had a heart attack in the last three months, you wouldn't be able to join. Finally, if you're not well enough to have a general anaesthetic, which is often needed for this kind of treatment, you wouldn't be eligible.
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 pancreatic cancer?
- Is your doctor considering (or have you had) IRE or a similar 'ablation' treatment?
- Do you NOT have a heart pacemaker or an ICD device?
- Have you NOT had a heart attack in the last 3 months?
What does participation involve?
If you are eligible and agree to be part of this registry, it means your medical information related to your pancreatic cancer and IRE treatment will be collected and shared with the study organisers. This doesn't involve any extra hospital visits, new medications, or follow-up appointments beyond what your doctor would normally recommend for your care. The study simply collects information from your existing medical records over time to see how the treatment progresses and how you get on. There's no set end date for your participation, as data will be collected as part of your ongoing care.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (16)
- University of Alabama BirminghamVerified postcodeBirmingham, United States· Recruiting
- University of California San DiegoVerified postcodeSan Diego, United States· Recruiting
- University of ColoradoVerified postcodeDenver, United States· Recruiting
- University of South FloridaVerified postcodeTampa, United States· Recruiting
- Augusta UniversityVerified postcodeAugusta, United States· Recruiting
- University of LouisvilleVerified postcodeLouisville, United States· Recruiting
- Johns Hopkins HospitalVerified postcodeBaltimore, United States· Recruiting
- Atlantic HealthVerified postcodeMillburn, United States· Recruiting
- Northwell Health Cancer InstituteVerified postcodeLake Success, United States· Recruiting
- Gibbs Cancer Research, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare SystemVerified postcodeSpartanburg, United States· Recruiting
- Methodist Digestive InstituteVerified postcodeDallas, United States· Recruiting
- McGill UniversityVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'registry' in this study?
A registry is a secure collection of medical information from many patients, used to learn more about a disease or treatment over time.
Will I receive any new treatments in this study?
No, this study is not a clinical trial testing new treatments. It's about collecting information on a treatment (IRE) you're already receiving as part of your standard care.
Who will see my personal information?
Your personal details will be kept confidential. Researchers will mainly look at anonymised data, meaning information is used without directly identifying you.
What is the goal of this study?
The main goal is to help doctors better understand IRE treatment for pancreatic cancer, leading to improved care for patients in the future.
Do I have to take part?
No, taking part is completely voluntary. Your decision will not affect your medical care in any way.
How to find out more
Robert Martin, MD, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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