Nutrition Intervention for Pancreatic Cancer
Feasibility, Tolerance, and Fat Metabolism Pilot Study of a Structured Lipid Medical Food in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
18 participants
Apr 7, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Patients with pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET)) commonly experience fat malabsorption due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and leads to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, malnutrition, weight loss, and reduced quality of life (QoL). Current standard treatment, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), is limited by suboptimal adherence, high cost, and partial effectiveness to prevent fat malabsorption. The objective of the study is to assess the feasibility and maintenance of lipid absorption function of a structured lipid medical food (SLMF; Encala®) powder in subjects with PDAC and NET with EPI.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis and age greater than or equal to 18 years
- Life expectancy of 4 months or greater
- Oral or enteral tube feeding for > 60% daily calories
- For patients with NET, evidence of GI dysfunction such as >5% unintentional weight loss, increased number of bowel movements¸change in stool consistency (e.g., soft stool or diarrhea), as documented in the medical record and confirmed by the treating oncologist.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Pregnant or lactating
- Unable to consume food by mouth (oral intake)
- Allergy to soy lecithin product ingredients
- Psychosocial environment for which study participation may be difficult for subject or family, as confirmed by medical team
- Military service members, Reserve Service members, National Guard members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, and DoD contractors
- Patients with diminished capacity to consent
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Interventions
Structured lipid medical food (Encala®) powder administered orally or via enteral feeding. Each dose consists of approximately 18.4 g (2 scoops) providing 100 kcal. Participants will receive 4-5 doses daily (total 400-500 kcal/day) for 8 weeks. The product is mixed with participant-selected foods, beverages, or tube feeding formula. Dosing is individualized based on weight status and recent weight loss.
Locations(2)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07554560