Combining two chemotherapy drugs with advanced radiation for pancreatic cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04570943 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new treatment plan for locally advanced pancreatic cancer—cancer that has grown significantly but has not spread to distant parts of the body. The plan combines two chemotherapy drugs given in sequence: first Gembrax (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel), then FOLFIRINOX (a combination of four drugs). After the chemotherapy, patients receive a type of radiation therapy called stereotactic MRI-guided adaptive radiotherapy, which uses advanced imaging to target the tumor very precisely while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious cancers, with very poor survival rates, and about 30% of patients have cancer that cannot be surgically removed when diagnosed. Current treatments don't work well enough for these patients. This trial is testing whether combining multiple chemotherapy drugs with advanced radiation can shrink the tumor, control the cancer in the local area, and potentially help patients live longer.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma confirmed by biopsy or cell sampling
your pancreatic cancer cannot be surgically removed, but has not spread to other organs
your overall health and ability to tolerate treatment are good (ECOG performance status of 0 or 1)
you have normal or near-normal blood cell counts, liver function, and kidney function

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received any previous chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery for pancreatic cancer
you have a genetic condition called Gilbert's syndrome or a specific genetic variant (UGT1A1 *28) that affects how your body processes certain chemotherapy drugs
you have or have had another cancer in the past 3 years (except for certain skin cancers or early-stage cervical or bladder cancers that were already treated)
you have previously received radiation therapy in the area where this treatment would be given

What participation looks like

You would start by receiving the first chemotherapy drug combination (Gembrax) given on specific days with rest periods in between. After completing that phase, you would then receive the second chemotherapy combination (FOLFIRINOX). Following chemotherapy, you would undergo a specialized form of radiation therapy guided by MRI imaging, which allows doctors to target your tumor very precisely. Throughout the trial, you would have regular blood tests and imaging scans to monitor how the cancer is responding and how you are tolerating the treatment. The entire treatment process typically takes several months, and you would be closely monitored by the medical team for side effects and how well the treatment is working.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(9 sites)

France

Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône

CHU Carémeau, Nîmes, Gard

CHU Saint-Eloi, Montpellier, Herault

Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, Hérault

Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy