The PREOPANC-3 study is a randomized, multicenter, phase 3 trial. Patients with resectable pancreatic cancer will be randomly assigned (1:1) to 8 cycles of neoadjuvant mFOLFIRINOX followed by surgery and 4 cycles of adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX (arm 1) or to upfront surgery followed by 12 cycles of adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX (arm 2).
The primary objective of the trial is to determine whether perioperative mFOLFIRINOX improves overall survival compared with adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Histologically or cytologically (Bethesda 5 or 6) confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
* Resectable tumor according to Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group criteria: no arterial contact and venous contact with the superior mesenteric vein or portal vein of 90 degrees or less
* No evidence for metastatic disease
* WHO performance status of 0 or 1
* Ability to undergo surgery and mFOLFIRINOX chemotherapy
* Leucocytes (WBC) ≥ 3.0 x 10\^9/L
* Platelets ≥ 100 x 10\^9/L
* Hemoglobin ≥ 6.0 mmol/l
* Renal function: eGFR ≥ 40 ml/min
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prior radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery for pancreatic cancer.
* Prior chemotherapy precluding mFOLFIRINOX.
* Previous malignancy (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) \<2cm, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) \<2cm), unless no evidence of disease and diagnosed more than 3 years before diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or with a life expectancy of more than 5 years from date of inclusion.
* Pregnancy or lactation.
* Serious concomitant systemic disorders that would compromise the safety of the patient or his/her ability to complete the study, at the discretion of the investigator.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.