Clinical studies
A particular focus in the Department of Clinical Oncology is on the use and testing of new drugs in the treatment of cancer as part of clinical studies. These include traditional cytostatic agents, hormones as well as biological drugs such as interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, natural substances, vitamin derivatives and liposomes.
Many cancers are now treatable, a small number is even curable. Nevertheless, the current state of therapeutic options is not satisfactory for either patients or physicians. The treatment with approved medication and dosage schemes currently make up the standard therapy in medical oncology. However, what are the options when these standard therapies are not or no longer effective?
For patients, it may make sense to consider participation in a clinical study in which new drugs are tested under strictest legal and ethical rules. In that way, they have the opportunity of benefiting as early as possible from new therapeutic approaches.
Clinical Trial Unit (CTU)
In the Department of Clinical Oncology, the Tumor Biology Center for offers experimental therapies to suitable patients under observation of all relevant rules. The department has comprehensive experience and knowledge in the administration of such therapies and offers them under the umbrella of two dedicated institutions: the Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) for new drug-based therapies and the Cell & Immune Therapy Unit (CITU) for new cell and immunotherapies. Both units are directed by competent physicians with many years of experience in their respective fields. More information under CTU (Clinical studies) and CITU (Cell and Immunotherapy).
The following clinical studies are currently being carried out at the Pancreatic Cancer Center Freiburg:
PANCREC - Freiburg
Prospective randomized single-centre study on the comparison of two different reconstructive techniques in respect of complication rates and incidence of pancreatic fistulas following partial pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Contact: Prof. Dr. med. Keck, Dr. Wellner
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2589, E-mail: ulrich.wellner@uniklinik-freiburg.deDISPACT - Heidelberg
Randomized controlled study on the comparison to two surgical techniques for distal pancreatectomy (staple suture/ scalpell and manual suture)
Contact: Prof. Dr. med. Keck, Dr. Wellner
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2589, E-mail: ulrich.wellner@uniklinik-freiburg.deCONKO-005 - Berlin
Prospective randomized multi-centre phase III study: Adjuvant therapy of R0-resected pancreatic carcinoma with gemcitabine plus erlotinib versus gemcitabine over 24 weeks.
Contact in Freiburg: Prof. Dr. med. Keck
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2401, E-Mail: tobias.keck@uniklinik-freiburg.deMoxifloxacin - Freiburg
Penetration of moxifloxacin (BAY 12-8039) into the excretory pancreatic secretion after intravenous application.
Contact: Prof. Dr. med. Keck, Dr. Herzberger
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2401 E-mail: christoph.herzberger@uniklinik-freiburg.deHEAT - Munich
Prospective randomized three-armed multi-centre phase III study on the adjuvant therapy of patients with R0/R1 resected pancreatic carcinoma: gemcitabine vs. gemcitabine plus cisplatin vs. gemcitabine plus cisplatin in combination with regional hyperthermia (RHT).
Contact in Freiburg: Prof. Dr. med. Keck
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2401, E-mail: tobias.keck@uniklinik-freiburg.deAntibody-based treatment of malignant diseases - Freiburg
Human monoclonal anti-tumour antibody definition of recognized antigens and possibilities of an individualized antibody-based treatment of malignant diseases.
Contact: Dr. Wittel
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2401 E-mail: uwe.wittel@uniklinik-freiburg.deChroPac - Heidelberg
Examining the differences between two strategies of removing the pancreatic head in cased of chronic pancreatitis with regard to quality of life. The greatest importance is given to the preservation of the duodenum.
Contact in Freiburg: Prof. Dr. med. Keck
Div. of General and Visceral Surgery - University of Freiburg Medical Centre
Tel: +49(0761)270-2401 E-mail: tobias.keck@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Strict legal and ethical conditions
Clinical trials of all innovative therapeutic approaches (drug-based or cell therapy treatments) is a prerequisite for therapeutic progress in oncology. New unapproved treatment strategies are carried out under strict legal and ethical supervision.
And it is always a long way for an experimental therapy to be accepted as standard treatment. As a general rule, it takes several years.