Clinical Trial to Improve Prognosis for Pancreatic Cancer Patients Now Enrolling Patients

Dr. E. Ramsay Camp, chief of surgical oncology in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, working alongside Dr. Ben Musher, medical director of medical oncology at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, are now enrolling patients in a clinical trial with the potential to improve the prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer.  

“Through this study, we will gather clues as to how certain drugs work and why they work,” Camp said. “We hope to create better treatment options for patients with this serious cancer.” 

Recently, numerous studies in cancers such as lung and breast cancer have shown that a combination of immune checkpoint therapy administered alongside cytotoxic chemotherapy creates a response that is more promising than the immune treatments alone. Camp and his team are aiming to harness and refine those findings in their trial. 

Camp’s trial, which is funded by Merck, is called “Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant FOLFIRNOX Chemotherapy Combined with Pembrolizumab Followed by Surgery for Patients with Localized, Resectable Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas.” The study will consist of providing chemotherapy with immunotherapy to patients who have pancreatic cancer and are candidates for surgery. 

Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer and who have had no prior chemo or radiation may be eligible for the study. Patients interested in enrolling or learning more can call 713-798-3956.