PDAC-PATHWAYS App for Pancreatic Cancer

(PDAC-PATHWAYS Trial)

Overseen By Kelsey Lau-Min, MD, MSCE

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Comorbid health condition, others

Stay on Your Current Meds You can continue your current medications while participating

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new app designed to assist individuals starting treatment for pancreatic cancer. The app, called PDAC-PATHWAYS, offers information and support as patients begin neoadjuvant therapy, which aims to shrink a tumor before the main treatment. Participants will either use the app or receive their usual care to determine if the app provides additional benefits. The trial seeks individuals who have recently chosen to start this specific therapy for pancreatic cancer and can speak and understand English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance patient care and support.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with your cancer care team.

What prior data suggests that the PDAC-PATHWAYS app is safe for patients with pancreatic cancer?

Research shows that PDAC-PATHWAYS, a digital app for pancreatic cancer patients, provides information and support. Unlike a new drug, this app does not cause physical side effects. No reports of negative effects have emerged from using this app.

As this trial evaluates a digital tool, factors such as ease of use and user satisfaction may be considered. However, these do not pose safety concerns in the usual sense. The main goal is to offer support and guidance during cancer treatment, with no known risks to users. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The PDAC-PATHWAYS app is unique because it provides informational and supportive care specifically tailored for patients beginning neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer (PDAC). Unlike standard treatments that focus primarily on medical interventions like chemotherapy or surgery, this app aims to enhance the patient's overall care experience by offering personalized guidance and support directly through a digital platform. Researchers are excited about this approach because it could improve patient outcomes by addressing the emotional and informational needs of patients, potentially increasing adherence to treatment plans and improving quality of life during a challenging treatment period.

What evidence suggests that the PDAC-PATHWAYS app is effective for pancreatic cancer?

Studies have shown that digital health tools can assist patients with complex conditions like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this trial, participants will either use the PDAC-PATHWAYS app or receive usual care. The PDAC-PATHWAYS app supports patients as they begin treatment before their main therapy to shrink a tumor. Research indicates that easy access to information and support can enhance the treatment experience and help patients manage symptoms more effectively. Although specific data on PDAC-PATHWAYS is limited, similar apps have reduced anxiety and improved patient satisfaction. This app aims to empower patients with knowledge and support, potentially enhancing overall care. ^{1 3 4 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients starting pre-surgery treatment (neoadjuvant therapy) for a type of pancreatic cancer known as PDAC. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain health conditions and agree to use the app.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.

Able to comprehend and speak English

I decided to start pre-surgery treatment for my pancreatic cancer less than 8 weeks ago.

Exclusion Criteria

Comorbid health condition that would interfere with study participation, as identified by the cancer care team

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pilot Study Part 1

Open pilot study to refine PDAC-PATHWAYS app before larger-scale testing

Not specified

Pilot RCT (Study Part 2)

Participants are randomized to PDAC-PATHWAYS app or usual care to assess feasibility and acceptability

10 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PDAC-PATHWAYS

Trial Overview The study is testing PDAC-PATHWAYS, an app designed to provide information and support to pancreatic cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, compared with the usual care without the app.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: PDAC-PATHWAYS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

PDAC-PATHWAYS is an informational and supportive care app for patients initiating neoadjuvant therapy for PDAC.

Group II: Usual care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to usual care will receive routine treatment with their oncology clinicians.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

United States Department of Defense

Collaborator

Trials

940

Recruited

339,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11201559/

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC): A Review of ... This review article provides a holistic overview of high-impact, transformative AI/ML applications in various areas of PDAC care.

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-pancreatic-neoplasms-8-2025-88b5e

PDAC-PATHWAYS App for Pancreatic Cancer This study aims to refine and pilot test PDAC-PATHWAYS, a digital informational and supportive care app for patients who are initiating neoadjuvant therapy for ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07047807

NCT07047807 | PDAC-PATHWAYS: A Digital Informational ... This study aims to refine and pilot test PDAC-PATHWAYS, a digital informational and supportive care app for patients who are initiating ...

4. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2840294

Cost-Effectiveness of Pancreatic Cancer Screening in New ... This economic evaluation examines the cost-effectiveness of 3 screening strategies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma among individuals ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304419X25002264

AI-powered vaccine breakthroughs: Targeting pancreatic ... Due to the general inability to achieve early diagnosis, the five-year survival rate for PDAC stands below 10 %, with a median overall survival ...

6. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/pdac-pathways-digital-informational-supportive-care-app-patients-initiating-trial-nct07047807

PDAC-PATHWAYS: A Digital Informational and Supportive ... A Pilot Study of PDAC-PATHWAYS App for Pancreatic Cancer Patients. Evaluating a Digital Informational and Supportive Care App for Pancreatic Cancer Patients.