Adaptive Approach to Neoadjuvant Therapy to Maximize Resection Rates for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Chemotherapy will begin with FOLFIRINOX - a standard regimen used in pancreatic cancer treatment, consisting of 5-fluorouracil (2400 mg/m2), irinotecan (180 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2). Treatment will continue for 2 cycles (4 doses), and then re-evaluation will be performed. If a decision to continue with FOLFIRINOX is made, it will be administered for another 4 cycles (8 doses).

At the first planned analysis, if a switch is indicated based on prespecified criteria , gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) - another standard regimen in this setting - will be used. It will be administered for 4 cycles (12 doses).

Radiation therapy may be used prior to surgery, based on findings on the final pre-operative scan per standard of care. Radiation therapy will be delivered in patients with artery and venous involvement meeting the Intergroup definition for borderline resectable disease. Radiotherapy will be delivered via a hypofractionated approach over 10 fractions and will include target volumes to the primary tumor and elective coverage of vascular structures at risk. Radiation will be delivered with concurrent chemotherapy.

Pancreatectomy should occur within 4 to 8 weeks after the last dose of preoperative chemotherapy. Staging laparoscopy may be performed at the time of planned laparotomy but is not required. Either standard or pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal subtotal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy may be performed. Surgical drains and enteral tubes (e.g. gastrostomy and/or jejunostomy tubes) may be placed at the discretion of the operating surgeon.