Escitalopram for Pancreatic Cancer

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJordan Winter, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Stay on Your Current Meds

Prior Safety Data

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing the use of antidepressants in people with localized pancreatic and periampullary cancer who are receiving treatment before surgery. Antidepressants help improve mood by balancing brain chemicals. The goal is to see if these medications can improve quality of life and potentially survival rates in these cancer patients.

Research Team

Jordan Winter, MD

Principal Investigator

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-80 with localized pancreatic or periampullary cancer, who are not on antidepressants and have an ECOG score of 0-2. They must be mentally competent, able to consent, not planning immediate surgery, and set for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria

I am not currently taking any medication for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis.

I can take care of myself and am up and about more than half of the day.

I am scheduled for at least 12 weeks of initial chemotherapy.

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Exclusion Criteria

Patients with any history of mania

My cancer has spread from the pancreas or nearby areas.

I am currently taking medication for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, and have not taken MAOIs in the last 6 months.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Escitalopram (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
Placebo (Other)

Trial OverviewThe study tests if Escitalopram, an antidepressant, helps patients with localized pancreatic cancer undergoing pre-surgery chemo better than a placebo. Participants will either receive the actual drug or a placebo without knowing which one.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Participants receiving EscitalopramExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Participants receiving PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention