Clinical trials
View the clinical trials and research studies currently recruiting at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth.
For further information:
Phone: 03 9426 8880
Email: [email protected]
The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth runs research studies and clinical trials covering every phase of patient diagnosis, treatment and care. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Clinical trials are vital if we are to improve the survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer. But what are they?
Types of research include:
- observational studies that collect data on a disease's trajectory to better understand it.
- interventional clinical trials to determine whether an experimental treatment is safe and effective.
The main goal of clinical trials is to see if discoveries made during the research phase are better than current treatment options.
For clinical trials, volunteer participation is essential. Results from trials will help determine if new treatments for pancreatic cancer work and if there are side effects. They're also an effective way for patients to gain access to the latest treatment options.
When deciding if you want to take part in a clinical trial, you need to be aware of what the trial involves. You should also seek advice from your specialist before taking part. At Epworth, there are a number of clinical studies open to people with pancreatic cancer and are listed below.
Pancreatic cancer research at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth
Current clinical trials and special access schemes
Listing updated: 02 May 2023
Want to join or refer a patient to a clinical trial at the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth?
DIRECT-InspIRE
A Multicentre, Open-label, Innovation Study in Pancreatic Cancer Utilising the NanoKnife® System for Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in Unresectable Stage 3 Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (Stage III) Neo-adj |
NCT03899636 Recruiting |
Epworth Freemasons |
Mr Brett Knowles |
-
Eligibility
- Patients with unresectable stage 3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- Newly diagnosed and has only received single line of chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based) for at least 3 months but no more than 6 months prior to enrolment
- Maximum axial tumour dimension of ≤3.5cm after receiving 3 to 6 months of chemotherapy
Exclusion:
- Have evidence of disease progression
- Have undergone radiation therapy/surgical resection/IRE treatment
- Patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators or any electronic/implanted devices with metal parts in the thoracic cavity at time of IRE
- Patients with history of epilepsy or other neurological disease
ASCEND
A randomised, double-blinded phase II study of gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel with CEND‐1 or placebo in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Metastatic pancreatic cancer (Stage IV) 1st line |
Recruiting |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond |
Dr Ross Jennens |
-
Details and eligibility
CEND-1 is a novel cyclic tumour‐penetrating peptide iRGD (internalising Arginylglycylaspartic acid) which may overcome poor drug delivery by increasing vascular permeability of tumour vessels to treatment.
- Metastatic pancreatic cancer suitable for first-line gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy
- ECOG 0 or 1
- Availability of sufficient tissue for further testing (core biopsy of primary or metastasis). FNA not accepted.
ACCENT
A phase 1b/2a, multicentre, open label study of the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of AMP945 in combination with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients.
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Metastatic pancreatic cancer (Stage IV) 1st line |
Recruiting |
Epworth Richmond Epworth Freemasons Epworth Eastern |
A/Prof Sumitra Ananda |
-
Eligibility
- Advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (metastatic or locally advanced)
- Eligible for treatment with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine as standard of care therapy
- ECOG 0 or 1
SPEAR
A phase 2, open-label, single-arm sulfasalazine monotherapy trial of progression-free survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Locally advanced unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer (Stage IV) 2nd and 3rd line |
Recruiting |
Epworth Richmond Epworth Freemasons |
Dr Allan Zimet |
-
Eligibility
- Disease must have progressed after one line of standard fluoropyrimidine- or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for advanced disease. Treatment break within the upfront chemotherapy regimen is considered the same line of therapy and is permitted.
- One line of systemic therapy for advanced disease. Patients who have had two lines of systemic therapy or are intolerant of second-line treatment may be eligible after consultation with the study Chief Investigators.
Exclusion:
- Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c>10% in previous 3 weeks)
- Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP>180mmHg or DBP>105mmHg)
- NYHA Class III or IV heart failure
- Major surgery OR radiation therapy OR participation in other investigational products within 28 days prior to commencement of this study
DYNAMIC-Pancreas
Circulating Tumour DNA Analysis Informing Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Stage Pancreatic Cancer: A Multicentre Randomised Study.
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Resectable pancreatic cancer (Stage I-II) 1st line |
Completed recruitment |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond |
Dr Ross Jennens |
-
Eligibility
- Patients who have undergone complete resection of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas
- Tumour sample is available for molecular testing up to 6 weeks after surgery
- Patients who are fit for adjuvant chemotherapy
Exclusion:
- Patients with TNM stage IV disease
- History of another primary cancer within the last 3 years
YH003004
A phase II, multi-center, open-label study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of YH003 in combination with Toripalimab (anti-PD-1 mAb) in patients with unresectable/metastatic melanoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
| Diagnosis; Line | Trial ID and Status | Locations | Principal Investigator |
|
Metastatic pancreatic cancer (Stage IV) 1st and 2nd line |
Completed recruitment |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond |
A/Prof Sumitra Ananda |
Current research studies
These studies may ask participants for permission to store their cancer sample, or take part in non-treatment research. Please get in touch using the online form, email or phone listed on the contact us page to take part in advancing research.
| Diagnosis | Project ID and Status | Study Details | Locations | Contact |
| Planned to receive surgery |
EH2022-825 Recruiting |
Pre-OP Dietetic Clinic Pre-operative Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Dietetic Clinic |
Epworth Richmond | Ms Carmel Zoanetti |
| Individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer (based on demographics and family history) | EH2021-666 Recruiting |
APCSP The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program: Screening for pancreatic cancer in high risk individuals |
All Epworth sites | A/Prof Andrew Metz |
| Suspected diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma | EH689-15 Recruiting |
VPCB The Victorian Pancreatic Cancer Biobank |
Epworth Richmond | Dr Peter Tagkalidis |
| Suspected diagnosis of pancreatic or colorectal cancer | EH2019-481 Recruiting |
Organoid Biobank Establishing biobanks of colorectal and pancreatic cancer models for the pursuit of personalised therapies |
Epworth Richmond | Mr Brett Knowles |
| Pancreatic cancer |
EH2021-694 Closed |
EU-ME-PC The Endoscopic Ultrasound Molecular Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer (EU-ME-PC): A Prospective Multicentre Cohort Trial |
All Epworth sites | Dr Allan Zimet |
| Pancreatic cancer | Recruiting | MoST Molecular Screening and Therapeutics program |
All Epworth sites | A/Prof Andrew Metz |
| Unresectable pancreatic cancer | EH2020-661 Recruiting |
OSCILLATE An Observational Study following Circulating tumour DNA during multi-Agent Therapy in PDAC (OSCILLATE): a hypothesis-generating, prospective cohort study |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond Epworth Eastern |
Dr Allan Zimet |
| Primary carer of patient with pancreatic cancer | EH2021-729 Recruiting |
PRoCESS Pancreatic Cancer Relatives Counselling and Education Support Service trial. Assessing the effect of nurse-led counselling on participant-reported outcomes and use of medical services. |
All Epworth sites | A/Prof Andrew Metz |
| Newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer | New study Recruiting |
PATHWAYS Pancreatic cancer pathways to diagnosis |
All Epworth sites | A/Prof Andrew Metz |
Databases and registries
These projects ask participants for permission to record treatment data to build better knowledge of pancreatic cancer care. Please get in touch using the online form, email or phone details on the contact us page if you see you or your patient’s diagnosis listed below.
| Diagnosis | Project ID and Status | Study Details | Locations | Contact |
| Newly diagnosed upper GI cancer | EH2017-227 Recruiting |
UGICR Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond Epworth Eastern |
Mr Brett Knowles |
| Newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer | ACTRN12617001474347 Recruiting |
PURPLE Pancreatic cancer: Understanding Routine Practice and Lifting End Results. A Prospective Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Registry |
Epworth Freemasons Epworth Richmond Epworth Eastern |
A/Prof Rachel Wong |
| Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (PPMN) | EH2021-731 Recruiting |
IPMN IPMN Database – A tool to predict pancreatic cancer |
Epworth Eastern | A/Prof Andrew Metz |
| Pancreatic cancer | EH2021-768 New study Recruiting |
PAN-ExPERT Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in pancreatic cancer: An implementation strategy |
Epworth Richmond | Mr Mark Cullinan |
| Pancreatic or oesophageal cancer | Recruiting | PROpatient PROpatient - A registry-based randomised controlled trial (RRCT) of symptom monitoring, using patient-reported outcomes |
All Epworth sites | Mr Brett Knowles |
Phone: 03 9426 8880
Email: [email protected]