UCI Health conducts clinical trial using laser therapy for pancreatic cancer

UCI Health is conducting a first-in-human, phase 1 clinical trial using vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) to treat localized but inoperable pancreatic tumors. The treatment, developed by Israel-based ImPact Biotech, utilizes a light-sensitive drug called padeliporfin to destroy tumors that encase major abdominal arteries.

By clearing these vessels of tumor tissue, the therapy aims to make patients eligible for life-saving surgical procedures. Of the six patients treated so far, four were able to undergo surgery to remove remaining tumor tissue. Notably, three of those patients showed no evidence of cancer cells at the surgical margins.

Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate, and approximately two-thirds of the 50% of patients with localized cancer are currently ineligible for surgery. The trial is being led by radiologist Dr. Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh at the UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is one of only two centers in the United States testing this approach.