The protocols aim to expand access to advanced clinical research options on the Island, with individualized evaluation and voluntary participation.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – A network of oncology and innovation centers in Puerto Rico announced the availability of two clinical trials for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. One study is designed for patients who have undergone surgical tumor resection, while the other targets patients who are not candidates for surgery. Both studies seek to bring research-based options closer to patients in Puerto Rico, without the need to travel outside the Island for evaluation.
PanOncology Trials, an organization that integrates clinics in San Juan, Mayagüez, Ponce, Cayey, Dorado, and soon Manatí, is offering these protocols as part of its mission to contribute to and facilitate access to clinical research, as well as to investigational therapies for various types of cancer.
“Clinical research is an essential tool for advancing medical knowledge, particularly in conditions such as pancreatic cancer, which is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages,” said Dr. Marcia Cruz-Correa, a gastroenterologist oncologist and investigator affiliated with the network. She added that having well-designed protocols available in Puerto Rico “supports the ability to evaluate new strategies through scientific and regulatory processes, with the goal of benefiting current and future patients.”
“The studies are conducted in accordance with protocols that have been reviewed by the appropriate oversight bodies, including Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and other applicable regulatory mechanisms. Prior to participation, each patient receives detailed information about the purpose of the study, procedures, potential risks and benefits, as well as available alternatives, so that participation occurs only after informed and voluntary consent,” Cruz-Correa emphasized.
One of the studies is directed at individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who were able to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. This protocol evaluates an investigational oral therapy, administered in tablet form, to study its potential role following surgery.
According to Dr. Miguel Colón Donate, Associate Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at PanOncology Trials, “this type of study seeks to answer clinical questions in a controlled and rigorous manner and to determine the role of an investigational intervention in patients who have already undergone surgical treatment.”
The second study focuses on patients with pancreatic cancer who are not candidates for surgery and who present with severe unintentional weight loss, a condition known as cachexia.
Cancer-associated cachexia is a complex syndrome that can occur in individuals with advanced disease and is frequently observed in pancreatic cancer. It commonly manifests as decreased appetite and marked fatigue, which can affect a patient’s ability to perform daily activities and may complicate tolerance to treatments prescribed by the medical team.
In these cases, the protocol evaluates an investigational medication to study its safety and its potential effect in supporting weight maintenance and physical strength during the course of the disease.
“Our objective is to investigate strategies that may help support the patient’s nutritional and functional status while they continue receiving the treatment recommended by their physicians,” explained Dr. Noridza Rivera Rodríguez, medical oncologist and Director of Oncology at the institution.
Currently, the clinical management of cachexia often focuses on supportive care and symptom management. Therefore, continuing to conduct clinical trials is important to evaluate investigational options under ethical and regulatory oversight, noted Rivera Rodríguez, who also serves as the principal investigator of the study.
“Any physician in the community may refer patients for evaluation. Each case is reviewed individually to determine whether it meets the protocol’s eligibility criteria and whether participation is clinically appropriate. Criteria vary by study and may include factors such as age, diagnostic characteristics, treatment history, and overall health status,” Cruz-Correa said. She reiterated that “the medications or interventions evaluated in these protocols are considered investigational; therefore, participation in a clinical trial does not guarantee benefit and may involve risks, which are explained during the informed consent process.”Individuals interested in receiving general information about these studies, or physicians who wish to refer a patient for evaluation, may contact PanOncology Trials at 787-407-3333, email info@panoncologytrials.com, or visit panoncologytrials.com.