CINCINNATI, OHIO – The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has initiated the enrollment of patients in a new clinical trial that focuses on testing a vaccine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This Phase 2 trial is groundbreaking as it marks the first site in the Midwest to begin enrolling patients for the study.
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease, with over 66,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed this year alone. It ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and the fourth leading cause in men, according to the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Davendra Sohal, the associate director for clinical research at the Cancer Center and a professor of internal medicine, emphasized that the trial is built on the same mRNA technology used to develop COVID-19 vaccines.
The vaccine, developed over four to six weeks while patients recover from surgery, entails administering six weekly injections, followed by six additional booster injections after six months of standard chemotherapy. Sohal stressed the absence of any downside to participating, as patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy typically receive this treatment anyway. It is noteworthy that any patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer eligible for surgery and has not begun any other treatments is deemed eligible for this trial.
Sohal further revealed that the Phase 1 trial reported minimal side effects similar to those of COVID-19 vaccinations, including mild aches, chills, and a mild fever. Encouragingly, in the Phase 1 trial, eight out of 32 patients were completely cured of their cancer, representing a significant improvement in the cure rate for pancreatic cancer. Sohal expressed optimism about the potential of mRNA vaccines in revolutionizing cancer treatment, not only for pancreatic cancer but also for various other forms of the disease.
The trial aims to enroll 260 patients across its global sites, with the hope of enrolling as many patients as possible in Cincinnati. This development marks an exciting new frontier in cancer treatment, offering hope for patients and paving the way for a potential breakthrough in the fight against the deadly disease. For more information on the trial, individuals can reach out by calling 513-584-7698 or emailing cancer@uchealth.com.