Comparing total and partial pancreas removal for pancreatic head cancer
Compares total and partial pancreas removal in adults with pancreatic head cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: ToPanc Trial: Survival After Total Versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head, Distal Cholangiocarcinoma, and Ampullary Cancer
Key facts
- Where
- Münster and Ulm, GermanySee the 2 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 who need pancreatic head surgery for pancreatic, bile duct or ampullary cancer and who are at high risk of a leak after the surgery.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Cancer that can be removed by surgery: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, distal cholangiocarcinoma, or ampullary cancer (pancreaticobiliary type). It can be strongly suspected or proven by tissue testing. The join between pancreas and bowel is expected to be at high risk of a leak (postoperative pancreatic fistula, grade D).
Main reasons for not taking part
- Duodenal cancer, intestinal-type ampullary cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, benign tumors, or chronic pancreatitis
- Pregnancy
- Medical conditions that stop a person from understanding the trial
- Not able to follow the study steps, for example because of a psychological disorder or dementia
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital MünsterMünster, GermanyContact: Prof. Dr. med. Andreas PascherTaking people
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital UlmUlm, GermanyContact: Prof. Dr. med. Emrullah BirginTaking 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?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
- Trial code
- NCT06801899
- Record updated
- 12 August 2026
- Original description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if total removal of the pancreas is a preferable alternative to partial removal in patients with cancer of the pancreatic head who are at high risk of pancreatic leakage. The main question it aims to answer is:Read full original descriptionShow less
ToPanc Trial: Survival After Total Versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head, Distal Cholangiocarcinoma, and Ampullary Cancer: a Multi-centric Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if total removal of the pancreas is a preferable alternative to partial removal in patients with cancer of the pancreatic head who are at high risk of pancreatic leakage. The main question it aims to answer is:
Does total pancreas removal improve survival without reducing quality of life compared to partial removal?
The only study specific procedures are the collection of 2 blood samples (7.5ml for each time point, preoperatively and during the hospitalisation) and the completion of the questionnaires.
Inclusion: Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) scheduled to undergo PD for highly suspected or histologically proven, resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC), and/or ampullary cancer (pancreaticobiliary type); Suspected pancreas anastomosis at high-risk for development of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (grade "D" according to Schuh et al. (29): Estimation by CT scan, MRI, and/or Endoscopic Ultrasound; Written informed consent.
Exclusion: Pregnancy. A beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (bHCG) pregnancy test must to be performed for women of child-bearing potential (defined as premenopausal women who have not undergone surgical sterilization); Duodenal carcinoma, ampullary cancer (intestinal type), neuroendocrine tumors, benign tumors, chronic pancreatitis; Medical conditions that do not allow appreciation of the nature, scope, and possible consequences of the trial as judged by the investigator; Inability to follow the study procedures, e.g., due to psychological disorders, dementia, etc.