Patients with pancreatic cancer are gaining access to new clinical trials at the Royal Free London, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes. These trials are designed to evaluate novel therapies and treatment combinations for patients at all stages of the disease.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to lower survival rates compared to other cancers. Treatment options have not significantly advanced in recent years, making clinical trials a crucial avenue for patients seeking innovative therapies. The Royal Free London's pancreatic cancer service treats approximately 200 new patients annually.
Investigating New Treatment Modalities
Several new trials are opening at the Royal Free London. The PRISM-1 study is evaluating the addition of a novel immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy. Two other studies will assess the benefits of combining new drugs with chemotherapy. One such drug, Ginisortamab, targets a specific protein to inhibit cancer spread and enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. The CRISTAL-APC trial is testing a tablet designed to modulate the balance of immune cells within tumors, aiming to boost the body's immune response.
For patients with limited treatment options, trials are also exploring therapies that have undergone minimal prior testing in humans. The HERTHENA study is investigating a drug that selectively targets chemotherapy towards tumor cells, potentially reducing side effects by sparing healthy cells. The EMITT-1 trial is focused on a new drug designed to enhance the visibility of cancer cells to the immune system, addressing the challenge that most pancreatic cancer patients do not respond well to immunotherapy.
Personalized Treatment Through Liquid Biopsies
Pancreatic cancer patients suitable for clinical trials can now undergo a simple blood test to analyze their cancer's DNA. This "liquid biopsy" can detect over 300 different cancer genetic abnormalities that drive cancer growth. This approach has the potential to identify new therapeutic targets and improve patient selection for specific trials based on their cancer's unique genomic profile.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Alexa Childs, consultant in medical oncology at the Royal Free Hospital, stated, "Our aim is to ensure that patients with all stages of pancreatic cancer have the option to participate in clinical trials if they wish, and that we try to deliver these studies as close to home as possible."
Dr. Robert Goldstein, consultant in medical oncology at the Royal Free Hospital, added, "We hope to attract patients from across the region to take part in these exciting clinical trials which could ultimately pave the way to better outcomes."
The Royal Free London's pancreatic cancer service serves a population of 3.5 million across NCL, Bedfordshire, and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
