NCT06743386

Pilot Study of EUS-Guided Radiofrequency and FOLFIRINOX in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (RadioFAP )

Pilot Study Evaluating the Combination of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency and FOLFIRINOX in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: French Society of Digestive Endoscopy · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 90 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) constitutes 90% of pancreatic tumors and is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Europe by 2030. In France, its incidence doubled in men and tripled in women between 1982 and 2012. PDAC remains the digestive cancer with the poorest prognosis, with a five-year overall survival rate below 10% across all stages. Only surgical management with R0 resection (surgical margins free of cancer cells) offers a chance for cure or prolonged survival. However, surgery is feasible in only 15% of patients, as the disease is typically diagnosed at a late stage-locally advanced in 35% of cases or metastatic in 50%. Chemotherapy, specifically FOLFIRINOX, is the standard treatment for advanced cases, but resistance to chemotherapy poses a significant challenge. A key contributor to this resistance is the tumor stroma, which constitutes most of the tumor mass. This fibrous tissue acts as a mechanical barrier, restricting blood flow and potentially limiting the delivery of chemotherapy to cancer cells. The development of endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) has shown promise in treating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and pancreatic cystic neoplasms, sparking interest in its potential for PDAC. Preliminary studies demonstrate the feasibility of radiofrequency in PDAC, showing increased blood flow around treated sites. Combining systemic chemotherapy with radiofrequency may enhance drug diffusion and improve treatment efficacy. Additionally, tumor thermoablation could stimulate an immune response, as observed in experimental and clinical research. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of tumor destruction via radiofrequency ablation combined with FOLFIRINOX in improving progression-free survival for patients with PDAC.

Conditions

• Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Therapeutic procedure combines EUS-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)	It will be performed under general anesthesia with intubation, using a sectorial probe echoendoscope to target pancreatic tumors. Prophylactic measures, including intrarectal Diclofenac and antibiotics, are used to prevent complications. A high-frequency monopolar electrode needle is inserted into the lesion under ultrasound guidance, avoiding critical structures like pancreatic and biliary ducts. Energy is delivered until specific safety parameters are met, with multiple applications to maximize tumor coverage. RFA sessions are scheduled before, midway, and after chemotherapy cycles, and progress is monitored with routine imaging. Post-procedure care includes fasting, pain management, and standard blood tests. Patients are typically discharged the day after the procedure if no complications occur. Further treatment plans, including continuation or modification of chemotherapy and RFA, are determined based on disease progression observed in follow-up scans.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-01
• Primary completion: 2027-08-01
• Completion: 2027-08-01
• First posted: 2024-12-19
• Last updated: 2025-03-11