Comparing Astragalus Plus Gemcitabine to Gemcitabine Alone as Neoadjuvant Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * Histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; * Is 18 years of age or older; * ECOG performance status 0 to 2; Patient organ function tests must meet the following laboratory parameters: * Transaminases AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). If liver function abnormalities are due to underlying liver metastasis, then AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) may be ≤ 5 times ULN. * Total serum bilirubin ≤ 3.0 times ULN (if due to underlying liver metastasis, then total bilirubin may be ≤ 5 times ULN), * Neutrophils 1,500/Ul, * hemoglobin \> 8.0 gm/dL, * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm3 (IU: ≥ 100 x 109/L), * serum creatinine \< 2.0 mg/dL, * Expected postoperative survival ≥ 3 months; * Ability to comply with the study visit plan and other protocol requirements; * Voluntary participation and signing of informed consent. * Is willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests, and other study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * CNS damage or soft meningeal disease; * Metastasis to distant sites; * Other serious diseases or conditions, including congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association class III or IV), unstable angina pectoris, infarction in the past 6 months, severe arrhythmia, prolonged QT interval, active HIV infection or HIV disease, mental disorders, and substance abuse; * Known hypersensitivity to Astragalus or gemcitabine; * Pregnant or lactating wo…