Studying genes in advanced pancreatic cancer to guide future treatment choices
Looks at tumour and gene changes in adults with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Prospectively Defining Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Subtypes by Comprehensive Genomic Analysis
Key facts
- Where
- Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver, CanadaSee the 4 sites
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults with pancreatic cancer that has spread, who are about to start their first chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX or GP. Tumour samples are taken and studied for gene changes.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that has spread to other organs or lymph nodes (metastatic), measurable on scans (RECIST 1.1).
- Earlier treatment
- No earlier cancer treatment for the advanced disease. Chemotherapy given after surgery for early-stage disease is allowed. Cannot be on cancer treatment now.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Cancer not spread to distant organs or lymph nodes (borderline resectable or locally advanced)
- Brain metastases
- Positive pregnancy test
- Not fit enough for combination chemotherapy or a tumour biopsy
- Unable to follow the study visits and follow-up
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- Tom Baker Cancer CentreCalgary, CanadaNo longer taking part
- Cross Cancer InstituteEdmonton, CanadaNo longer taking part
- The Ottawa HospitalOttawa, CanadaNo longer taking part
- BC Cancer - VancouverVancouver, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- British Columbia Cancer Agency
- Trial code
- NCT02869802
- Record updated
- 14 September 2026
- Original description
Researchers are looking for better ways of understanding and treating pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study is to see how useful it is to look for changes and characteristics in your genes (molecules that contain instructions for the development and functioning of the cells) and the genes within the tumour. These characteristics may be useful in choosing treatments for patients in the future. Changes (mutations) in genes have been shown to be an important characteristic in cancers. Looking at differences in genes in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and comparing this information with response to their initial chemotherapy treatment may help to learn which treatments may be better for certain patients after initial treatment.Read full original descriptionShow less
Prospectively Defining Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Subtypes by Comprehensive Genomic Analysis
Researchers are looking for better ways of understanding and treating pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this study is to see how useful it is to look for changes and characteristics in your genes (molecules that contain instructions for the development and functioning of the cells) and the genes within the tumour. These characteristics may be useful in choosing treatments for patients in the future. Changes (mutations) in genes have been shown to be an important characteristic in cancers. Looking at differences in genes in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and comparing this information with response to their initial chemotherapy treatment may help to learn which treatments may be better for certain patients after initial treatment.
Inclusion: Histological and/or radiological diagnosis of metastatic PDAC. Patients without a histological diagnosis of PDAC must undergo confirmatory tumour biopsy prior to treatment start date; Planned for first-line systemic therapy with FOLFIRINOX or GP, either in routine care or in combination with an investigational agent(s) within a clinical trial; Age ≥ 18 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-1; Adequate organ function; Life expectancy of > 90 days as judged by the investigator; Ability to give informed consent; Measurable disease by RECIST 1.1; Presence of a tumour lesion amenable to core needle biopsy as judged by a staff interventional radiologist. A minimum of 3 tumour cores must be safely obtainable under CT or US guidance; Fit enough to safely undergo a tumour biopsy as judged by the investigator; Ability to lie supine for > 60 minutes; Patients in the archival cohort must also fulfil the following criteria:; Archival tumour sample available (either a previous tumour diagnostic biopsy or resection specimen).
Exclusion: Received prior systemic therapy (chemotherapy or any other anti-cancer agent) in the advanced setting. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection of early stage disease are eligible; Currently receiving anti-cancer therapy (chemotherapy or any other anti-cancer agent); Not fit for combination chemotherapy as judged by the investigator; Absence of distant or lymph node metastases. Patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced PDAC are not eligible; Presence of brain metastases; Female patients with positive pregnancy test; Patients who are not safe to include in the study as judged by the investigator for any medical or non-medical reason; Unable to comply with study assessments and follow-up.