Pancreatic cancer is often found late, when the tumor has already spread beyond the pancreas. About 64,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year. Treatment typically involves surgery when possible, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. Five-year survival remains low at around 12%, driving urgent research into earlier detection and better therapies.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing immunotherapies that activate the immune system against pancreatic tumors, PARP inhibitors for people with BRCA mutations, precision medicines targeting KRAS mutations, and combination chemotherapy regimens. Researchers are also pursuing earlier detection methods, liquid biopsies to track treatment response, and approaches to overcome the dense tissue around pancreatic tumors that blocks drug delivery.
KRAS-targeted drugs
KRAS mutations drive most pancreatic cancers, and drugs targeting KRAS G12C and G12D are now in trials. These represent the first direct attacks on a mutation long considered untreatable.
Immunotherapy combinations
Pancreatic tumors resist checkpoint inhibitors when used alone. Trials are pairing immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, or drugs that break down the tumor's protective tissue to help immune cells reach cancer.
PARP inhibitors
Olaparib and rucaparib are approved for pancreatic cancer with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Trials are testing whether these drugs work earlier in treatment or in combination with chemotherapy.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on tumor stage, prior treatments, performance status, specific mutations in the tumor, and whether surgery is an option.
What types of trials are currently open
- Targeted therapy trials — Testing drugs aimed at specific mutations like KRAS, BRCA, or DNA repair defects. Often require tumor testing to see if you carry the mutation.
- Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, or cancer vaccines, often combined with other treatments to overcome pancreatic cancer's resistance.
- Chemotherapy trials — Testing new combinations or schedules of chemotherapy drugs to improve response and reduce side effects.
- Surgery trials — Studies of surgical techniques, timing of surgery relative to chemotherapy, and approaches for borderline resectable tumors.
- Early detection studies — Testing blood tests and imaging methods to catch pancreatic cancer earlier, especially in high-risk families.
Recently added Pancreatic Cancer trials
Track your pancreatic lesion treatment outcomes over 7 years
This is a 7-year prospective single-center registry study to assess the safety and efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Guided Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in the treatment of pancreatic lesions.
Receive an injection of an experimental imaging drug to track how it moves through your body
The goal of this Phase I clinical trial is to evaluate how the imaging drug 203Pb- RMX-VH-PIB distributes in the body and how much radiation different organs receive in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The main questions it aims to answer are: How does 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB spread in the body (biodistribution)? What is the radiation dose delivered to organs (dosimetry)? Participants will: Receive a single IV injection of 203Pb-RMX-VH-PIB. Undergo multiple SPECT/CT imaging scans. Have blood, urine, vital signs, and ECG monitored for safety. Be followed for any side effects for up to 30 days.
Find Pancreatic Cancer trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.