Lanreotide for Preventing Surgical Complications in Pancreatic Cancer

This trial tests whether lanreotide, a medication, can prevent complications like pancreatic fistulas (a type of leakage from the pancreas) after surgery in individuals with pancreatic cancer or pre-cancerous lesions. Lanreotide stops the body from making extra hormones and may help prevent certain tumors from growing. Participants will receive either lanreotide or a placebo before their surgery. This trial may suit individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer or a lesion that could become cancerous, especially if surgery is planned soon. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.

You may not need to stop your current medications, but if you are taking certain drugs like diabetes medications, cyclosporine, bromocriptine, heart medications, or those metabolized by CYP3A4, your doctor will monitor you and may adjust your doses as needed.

Research has shown that lanreotide is generally safe for people. One study found that long-term use of lanreotide was safe and well-tolerated. Another study noted that lanreotide remains in the body for an extended period and has manageable side effects, making it suitable for use around surgery. Lanreotide is also used to treat certain tumors, suggesting its safety for similar conditions. While no treatment is without risks, existing studies provide reassuring evidence about lanreotide's safety in humans.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about lanreotide for pancreatic cancer surgery because it offers a new approach to preventing surgical complications. Unlike the standard of care, which often involves managing symptoms post-surgery, lanreotide is a somatostatin analog that targets and reduces the secretion of certain hormones and fluids that can lead to complications. This preemptive action could potentially lower the risk of issues like pancreatic fistulas, which are common after surgery. Additionally, lanreotide's subcutaneous delivery method allows for quick administration within 36 hours before surgery, aiming to enhance patient outcomes right from the start.

This trial will compare lanreotide with a saline placebo in preventing surgical complications in pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that lanreotide can help prevent problems after pancreas surgery. Specifically, patients who received lanreotide before their surgery had a pancreatic fistula rate of just 3%, lower than the rates seen with surgery alone. A pancreatic fistula is a leak from the pancreas that can cause infections. Lanreotide acts like somatostatin, a hormone that helps control digestion and may stop some tumor cells from growing. Research indicates that lanreotide can effectively reduce surgical complications, making it a promising option for those undergoing pancreas surgery.²³⁶⁷⁸