Dr. Ashwin Somasundaram, MD
Claim this profileUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Area of expertise
Pancreatic Cancer
Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has run 5 trials for Pancreatic Cancer. Some of their research focus areas include:
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has run 2 trials for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Some of their research focus areas include:
Affiliated Hospitals
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Clinical Trials Ashwin Somasundaram, MD is currently running
Chemotherapy + Immunotherapy
for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
This phase III trial compares the effect of modified fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan (mFOLFIRINOX) to modified fluorouracil, leucovorin calcium, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX) for the treatment of advanced, unresectable, or metastatic HER2 negative esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric adenocarcinoma. The usual approach for patients is treatment with FOLFOX chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Fluorouracil stops cells from making DNA and it may kill tumor cells. Leucovorin is used with fluorouracil to enhance the effects of the drug. Oxaliplatin works by killing, stopping, or slowing the growth of tumor cells. Some patients also receive an immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, in addition to FOLFOX chemotherapy. Immunotherapy may induce changes in body's immune system and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Irinotecan blocks certain enzymes needed for cell division and DNA repair, and it may kill tumor cells. Adding irinotecan to the FOLFOX regimen could shrink the cancer and extend the life of patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancers.
Recruiting
2 awards
Phase 3
2 criteria
Durvalumab + Olaparib with Radiation
for Pancreatic Cancer
This phase I trial tests the safety and tolerability of olaparib in combination with durvalumab and radiation therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) and cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Olaparib is an inhibitor of PARP, an enzyme that helps repair deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) when it becomes damaged. Blocking PARP may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The combination of targeted therapy with olaparib, immunotherapy with durvalumab and radiation therapy may stimulate an anti-tumor immune response and promote tumor control in locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Recruiting
1 award
Phase 1
25 criteria
More about Ashwin Somasundaram, MD
Clinical Trial Related
2 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 7 trials as a Principal Investigator · 6 Active Clinical Trials
Treatments Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has experience with
- Erlotinib
- Gemcitabine
- Nab Paclitaxel
- 5-FU
- Irinotecan Hydrochloride
- Leucovorin
Breakdown of trials Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has run
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Skin Cancer
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Ashwin Somasundaram, MD specialize in?
Ashwin Somasundaram, MD focuses on Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. In particular, much of their work with Pancreatic Cancer has involved Stage III patients, or patients who are Stage IV.
Is Ashwin Somasundaram, MD currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Ashwin Somasundaram, MD is currently recruiting for 6 clinical trials in Chapel Hill North Carolina. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has studied deeply?
Yes, Ashwin Somasundaram, MD has studied treatments such as Erlotinib, Gemcitabine, Nab paclitaxel.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Ashwin Somasundaram, MD?
Apply for one of the trials that Ashwin Somasundaram, MD is conducting.
What is the office address of Ashwin Somasundaram, MD?
The office of Ashwin Somasundaram, MD is located at: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 United States. This is the address for their practice at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.
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