Adjuvant and neoadjuvant approaches in pancreatic cancer.
Thierry Conroy, Aurélien Lambert, Michel Ducreux
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37222189/Actively Recruiting
Led by National Cancer Institute (NCI) · Updated on 2026-08-11
152
Participants Needed
454
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are studying the effects of adding olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, after surgery and chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer that has been surgically removed and who have mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 genes. This phase II trial aims to see if olaparib can improve relapse-free survival compared to placebo. The study also evaluates overall survival and differences in outcomes based on mutation type and prior chemotherapy treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either olaparib or a placebo orally twice daily in 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles, unless the disease progresses or side effects occur. During the treatment, patients will have CT or MRI scans and blood samples taken regularly. After treatment, participants will be followed up at 30 days, every 4 months for the first year, then every 6 months for up to 10 years. Throughout the study, patients will undergo imaging and blood tests to monitor their health and detect any recurrence of cancer. The main outcome measured is the time from randomization to disease recurrence or death. Researchers will also track overall survival for up to 10 years. Safety will be monitored, and participants will be observed regularly after treatment to assess long-term effects and disease status.
CONDITIONS
APOLLO: A Randomized Phase II Double-Blind Study of Olaparib Versus Placebo Following Curative Intent Therapy in Patients With Resected Pancreatic Cancer and a Pathogenic BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 Mutation
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National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Olaparib after surgery + chemotherapy | Placebo after surgery + chemotherapy | Maintenance Olaparib in metastatic gBRCA‑mutated disease |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Oral PARP inhibitor given as one year of maintenance therapy after surgery and chemotherapy | Oral placebo given as one year of maintenance therapy after surgery and chemotherapy | Approved oral PARP inhibitor used as maintenance therapy in metastatic germline BRCA‑mutated pancreatic cancer |
| Role in trial | Investigational treatment arm | Control arm receiving placebo | Routine practice in a different disease stage (metastatic setting) |
| Primary use | Given after curative‑intent therapy to prevent relapse | Given after curative‑intent therapy as control to evaluate relapse prevention | Maintains disease control in patients with metastatic disease post‑chemotherapy |
| How it is given or performed | Oral tablets twice daily for twelve 28‑day cycles | Oral placebo twice daily matching olaparib schedule | Oral olaparib maintenance following platinum chemotherapy in metastatic setting |
| Evidence status | Efficacy being evaluated in Phase II randomized trial (relapse‑free survival endpoint) | Control to assess efficacy of olaparib maintenance | Supported by guideline‑recommended use based on Phase III POLO trial in metastatic setting |
| Important risks | Safety profile under investigation; risks not fully characterized in this post‑resection setting | Placebo expected to have minimal direct toxicity, but safety monitoring follows study protocol | Known risks include rare myelodysplastic syndrome and acute leukemia seen with long‑term use |
| Important limitations | Phase II trial; not yet known whether this improves overall survival | Outcome conclusions depend on relapse‑free survival results, not available yet | Benefit demonstrated only in metastatic maintenance setting; may not translate to post‑resection use |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 12 months
Participants receive either olaparib or placebo orally twice daily in 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles, unless disease progresses or side effects occur. CT or MRI scans and blood collections are done regularly during treatment.
Monthly visits during treatment cycles
Duration - Up to 10 years
After treatment, participants are followed up at 30 days, then every 4 months for the first year, and every 6 months for years 2 through 10 to monitor health and disease status.
Regular visits every 4 to 6 months
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Thierry Conroy, Aurélien Lambert, Michel Ducreux
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37222189/National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor