Study: NCT02850874

Intervention type: PROCEDURE
Group type: EXPERIMENTAL
Intervention: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Description: HIPEC in this study involves the washing of the peritoneal cavity with a heated (40-48°C), (1000 mg/m sq) solution of gemcitabine in 1.5% dextrose for 90 min. Compared with systemic delivery of chemotherapy, intraperitoneal delivery can increase site-specific concentration of chemotherapeutic agents and decrease duration of perfusion, vascular complications, and systemic toxicity. The use of heated chemotherapeutic agents, compared to conventional protocols, has been shown to increase direct cytotoxicity to malignant cells and augment penetration into tumors.

Intervention type: PROCEDURE
Group type: EXPERIMENTAL
Intervention: Open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Description: Tumors of the pancreatic head will be surgically removed by open PD (standard and pylorus-preserving approaches) with the aim of achieving en bloc R0 tumor resection (no macroscopic residual cancer remaining). In all patients, a lymphadenectomy will be performed along the hepatoduodenal ligament, common hepatic artery, vena cava, and the interaortocaval and right side of the superior mesenteric artery. In cases with portal vein involvement, a venous resection will be performed to achieve R0 resection. Patients with arterial infiltration by the tumor will be deemed locally nonresectable and will be excluded from analysis.~Established, routine surgical and ERAS protocols will be followed for pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of patients. Patients will be discharged after postoperative day 5 if tolerating oral intake and showing no signs or symptoms of complications.

Intervention type: PROCEDURE
Group type: OTHER
Intervention: Open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Description: Tumors of the pancreatic head will be surgically removed by open PD (standard and pylorus-preserving approaches) with the aim of achieving en bloc R0 tumor resection (no macroscopic residual cancer remaining). In all patients, a lymphadenectomy will be performed along the hepatoduodenal ligament, common hepatic artery, vena cava, and the interaortocaval and right side of the superior mesenteric artery. In cases with portal vein involvement, a venous resection will be performed to achieve R0 resection. Patients with arterial infiltration by the tumor will be deemed locally nonresectable and will be excluded from analysis.~Established, routine surgical and ERAS protocols will be followed for pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of patients. Patients will be discharged after postoperative day 5 if tolerating oral intake and showing no signs or symptoms of complications.

Intervention type: DRUG
Group type: EXPERIMENTAL
Intervention: Gemcitabine
Description: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy will be administered to all PDAC patients with the aim of diminishing the tumor burden and maximizing the chance of complete surgical resection. Gemcitabine (GEMZAR®) will be administered for 6 months (including period of neoadjuvant therapy) according to established institutional guidelines for dosing, frequency, duration, administration route, and setting.

Intervention type: DRUG
Group type: OTHER
Intervention: Gemcitabine
Description: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy will be administered to all PDAC patients with the aim of diminishing the tumor burden and maximizing the chance of complete surgical resection. Gemcitabine (GEMZAR®) will be administered for 6 months (including period of neoadjuvant therapy) according to established institutional guidelines for dosing, frequency, duration, administration route, and setting.