Is anyone participating in a clinical trial for pancreatic cancer?

@azsunshine7

I am going to a top medical institution tomorrow to discuss available clinical trials. Unfortunately each institution has its own trials and information is not shared. As such you must seek out trials hospital by hospital. I have found the information on Clinicaltrials.gov to be inaccurate, incomplete, and outdated. Hard to believe but true. What specifically is your diagnosis and where are you in terms of treatment? I have spent many 100's of hours researching clinical trials and contacted 20 or more hospitals. I have become very knowledgeable as a lay person whose is dealing with a spouse who is stage 4 pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Hopefully, I can guide you to the best of my ability as an informed caregiver. I am not a doctor however.

@keepingoptimistic

Wow, you are a saint advocating for your spouse. 😇

I’m not having luck navigating through the lists on pancan and Mayo.

I have been told there is a pill coming out next year for the braca gene. But I don’t have any facts to back that up. I just want to do what I can now.

I will message you.

Kindest regards,

Yes,

I need more information about your condition, location, treatment so far, etc.

@keepingoptimistic

I sent you a private message 💖

I had an allergic reaction to the Oxaliplantin. They changed my chemo to a lower dose that went all day.
It worked and even made the cold after effects a little better!!!
I was the first there and the last to leave!

We just had that same allergic reaction on our 12th infusion. They advised us they would be doing the slow drip on an observed semi-inpatient basis… I’m glad you got through that without adverse consequence. Helps us with our anticipation of doing the same thing next week.

How do I retrieve a private message?

@not sure what the medication you mention is. Have you discussed with your Oncologist?

azsunshine7

@keepingoptimistic
My wife is close to 83.
Found a 1.2 cm lesion on head of pancreas.
Biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma in Sep.
Has been receiving chemo since early Oct. -3 Mondays of infusion then one off. Had second series in Nov. will start 3rd series Dec. 8th. Oncology team will then probably recommend surgery a month or so after that.
My concern is that my wife may not be able to withstand Whipple surgery. She is very weak from chemo now and will be worse when Dec. infusions are complete on Dec. 22.
Looking for alternatives to invasive surgery. The hospital we are receiving care from does not offer alternatives to surgery or at least has not indicated there is an alternative to surgery.
Would appreciate any insight you can provide.
Thank you
My name is Larry Lawrence

Larry, Whipple is a long and arduous surgery with a long and often difficult recovery, especially for an older person after chemo. I can guide you (I am not a MD) but need more information in order to do so. What stage is the cancer? If she is not metastatic there are many less invasive, lower risk options. What is the hospital you are at? If they offer nothing other than surgery, that give me reason for concern. I strongly recommend a high volume cancer center. Depending are where you are located, I can suggest one. Has she had a multi-disciplinary consult (Oncologist, Radiologist, Surgeon, interventional radiologist (possible), pathologist (possible) and a dietitian? Possibly a nurse or social worker as well. Cancer requires a team of specialists. I personally am fine with chemo being outsourced to local facilities, but beyond that a major high volume hospital with a Pancreatic cancer center is a must. Send me a private message.