A Prospective Study of Concurrent Hyperthermia, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Borderline and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (PANHEAT)

NCT07839676 · tracked via the Priya Life Science Spain tracker

Sponsor

Fernando Pessoa Canarias University

Phase

Not applicable

Started

2027-03-31

Last updated

2026-09-24

Condition(s) studied

Borderline and Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy Arm Description: Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX/nab Paclitaxel) followed by a) surgically resectable: Hyp

Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy Arm Description: Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX/nab Paclitaxel) followed by a) surgically resectable: Hyp: Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy Arm Description: Hyperthermia plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX/nab Paclitaxel) followed by a) surgically resectable: Hyperthermia plus adjuvant chenmotherapy+/-radiotherapy b) surgically non-resectable: hyperthermia plus SBRT

Study summary

The project proposes a prospective multicenter study to evaluate the incorporation of deep regional hyperthermia into the standard of care neoadjuvant chemotherapy (mFOLFIRINOX/NABPACLITAXEL) followed by radiotherapy in borderline and locally advanced ductal adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer. Although current treatments, based on induction chemotherapy followed by surgery or radiotherapy in selected patients, have improved survival and resection rates, overall survival remains poor.

Hyperthermia is a therapeutic intensification strategy with a solid biological basis. By controlling tumor heating (39-43°C), it enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy by improving tumor oxygenation, increasing perfusion, and inhibiting DNA damage repair, without adding significant systemic toxicity. The available clinical evidence, although based mainly on retrospective and small studies, suggests that the combination of HRP with multimodal treatments improves local control, favors conversion to surgery, and may prolong survival while maintaining a favorable safety profile.

The protocol contemplates the initial administration of induction chemotherapy (preferably mFOLFIRINOX or, alternatively, gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel)plus hyperthermia followed by multidisciplinary reevaluation. Patients who deemed resectable will undergo surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and hyperthermia. Patients without metastatic progression who remain unresectable will receive SBRT in five fractions along with sessions of deep regional hyperthermia. Subsequently, the possibility of surgery will be assessed again and a standardized follow-up will be carried out with clinical, radiological, biochemical and pathological evaluation when appropriate.

The main objective of the study is to determine the impact of this strategy on overall survival. Secondary objectives will be to evaluate progression-free survival, local control, conversion rate to surgery, proportion of R0 resections, tumor response, safety, tolerability, and feasibility of treatment. With this, the study aims to provide prospective evidence on the role of hyperthermia as a therapeutic intensification strategy in localized pancreatic cancer.

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Min age

18 Years

Max age

80 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: Patients of borderline or Locally advanced pancreatic cancer Histopathologically proven ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (biopsy/cytology). ECOG performance scale 0 and 1. Age between 18 and 80 years. Adequate kidney functionality defined as creatinine clearance \>50 ml/min. Adequate liver functionality defined as total bilirubin ≤2 times of the upper limit of normal. Adequate bone marrow reserves: WBC count ≥2.5 × 109/L, platelet count ≥100 × 109/L, hemoglobin ≥8.0 g/L. Women of child-bearing age must secure sufficient contraception control (dual protection with condoms and pills) during the clinical trial and 6 months after the clinical trial is completed. For females of child bearing potential, pregnancy test within 2 week prior to randomization should be negative. Absence of psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition that could potentially hamper compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule. Exclusion criteria Absence of distant metastasis or gross peritoneal carcinomatosis. Prior or concurrent malignancies. Patients having metal implants, pacemakers or clustered markers. Patients with metallic endobiliary stent would need to be replaced with plastic stents. Any history of myocardial infarction within the past 12 months. Any connective tissue disorder that contraindicate RT, e.g., scleroderma. Pre-existing grade 2 peripheral neuropathy. Any known contraindication or hypersensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents used in the study as decided by the medical oncologists. Pregnancy, lactation period or lack of reliable contraception. Any other disease or therapy, which, according to the investigator, present a risk to the patient or which are not compatible with the aims of the clinical trial. Indications that the person concerned will possibly not keep to the clinical trial plan because of unwillingness to cooperate or difficulties in keeping the check-up appointments. \-

Primary outcome measure(s)

overall survival — one year
Time from included in the study to death for any cause

Trial sites (2)

Facility	City	Region	Status
Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr Negrín	Las Palmas de Gran Canaria	Las Palmas
Hospital Universitario Quirón Salud	Málaga	Malaga

Official registry record

This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.

View NCT07839676 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in Spain