Clinical Trials for Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Examples of Mutation-Targeted Trials

• The PLATINUM clinical trial requires participants to have a BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutation. This trial compares platinum-based chemotherapy options, as research shows patients with these mutations often respond particularly well to platinum agents.

• Multiple trials are exploring therapies that target KRAS mutations, which are present in about 90% of pancreatic cancer tumors. New medications are being developed for subtypes such as KRAS G12C, G12R, or G12D, and eligibility for these trials requires biomarker (mutation) testing.

• Tango Therapeutics is planning a pivotal trial specifically for pancreatic cancer patients with the MTAP-deletion (MTAP-del) mutation. This study will assess an investigational agent, vopimetostat, designed for tumors with this genetic change.

• Some trials focus on patients with CDKN2A (p16) mutation, commonly found in hereditary syndromes such as FAMMM (familial atypical multiple mole melanoma).

• Additional studies are investigating targeted treatments for other mutations such as EGFR, HER2, and those relevant to hereditary cancer syndromes, requiring molecular or genetic profiling for eligibility.