Removing the pancreas and transplanting insulin cells to prevent complications after cancer surgery

This trial is testing a surgical approach for people with pancreatic cancer in the head of the pancreas who are at high risk for serious complications after standard surgery. Instead of the standard operation, surgeons will remove the entire pancreas and then transplant insulin-producing cells (islets) back into your body. This approach is designed to eliminate the risk of a life-threatening complication called pancreatic fistula while allowing you to recover quickly enough to start chemotherapy on time.

Standard pancreatic cancer surgery carries about a 20% risk of a dangerous complication where fluid leaks from the pancreas after surgery, which can prevent patients from getting their chemotherapy on time or at all. The new approach aims to eliminate this complication entirely while preserving your body's ability to control blood sugar through the transplanted cells.