RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06801899

ToPanc Trial: Survival After Total Versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head, Distal Cholangiocarcinoma, and Ampullary Cancer

ToPanc Trial: Survival After Total Versus Partial Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head, Distal Cholangiocarcinoma, and Ampullary Cancer: a Multi-centric Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern

Enrollment

170 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Pancreatic Cancer

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if total removal of the pancreas is a preferable alternative to partial removal in patients with cancer of the pancreatic head who are at high risk of pancreatic leakage. The main question it aims to answer is: Does total pancreas removal improve survival without reducing quality of life compared to partial removal? The only study specific procedures are the collection of 2 blood samples (7.5ml for each time point, preoperatively and during the hospitalisation) and the completion of the questionnaires.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study (called ToPanc) is comparing two surgical approaches for pancreatic head cancer and related cancers — total removal of the pancreas versus partial removal — to see which leads to better long-term survival and fewer complications when there is a high risk of a post-surgical leak. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You are scheduled for surgery to remove cancer in the head of the pancreas, the lower bile duct, or the ampulla (the junction where the bile and pancreatic ducts meet) - Imaging suggests a high risk of a post-operative pancreatic fluid leak - You have given written consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have duodenal cancer, certain types of ampullary cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, or other non-qualifying cancer types - Your cancer is not resectable Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

PROCEDURETotal pancreatectomy (TP)

The investigators perform TP in patients who undergo surgical resection of a malignant tumor in the pancreatic head.

PROCEDUREPartial pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD)

The investigators perform partial PD with anastomosis of the pancreas in patients who undergo surgical resection of a malignant tumor in the pancreatic head. This is the current standard procedure.