DP-IMRT Pancreas Trial: Phase I/II study of dose-escalated hypofractionated Dose-Painted Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy
The DP-IMRT Pancreas Trial (CTRIAL-IE 17-12) is a research study for people with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. It is currently open at:
St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON)
…and is expected to open shortly at:
Beacon Hospital
Cork University Hospital (CUH)
An Irish-designed trial
This is an investigator-initiated clinical trial, developed by Dr. Gerard McVey and the team at SLRON. The study is co-led by Dr. Maeve Keys, Consultant Radiation Oncologist.
It is sponsored by Cancer Trials Ireland and proudly funded through the Pat Smullen Foundation, which supports vital research into pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.
What is the aim of this trial?
The trial is investigating whether delivering higher, more precisely targeted doses of radiotherapy to pancreatic tumours can improve treatment outcomes, such as cancer control and side effects, without causing more side effects. The approach uses a technique called Dose-Painted Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (DP-IMRT) to focus radiation on the tumour while protecting nearby healthy organs.
It is currently not known what the maximum radiotherapy dose that can be delivered safely to the pancreas is, without increasing the amount of treatment-induced side effects, therefore this study is being conducted to answer this question.
What is DP-IMRT?
DP-IMRT is an advanced radiotherapy method that:
- Shapes the radiation dose tightly around the tumour,
- Allows higher doses to be given to the tumour
- Reduces the amount of radiation to nearby healthy tissues.
What does the trial involve?
- Patients first receive standard chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
- Then, they undergo 15 sessions of radiotherapy over approximately 3 weeks (Monday to Friday).
- If recommended by the surgical team, patients may proceed to surgery after radiotherapy.
- Participants are followed for 2 years to monitor outcomes, such as cancer control and side effects
The trial is being carried out in two phases:
- Phase I tests increasing radiation doses in small groups to find the maximum safe dose.
- Phase II treats a larger group at that optimal dose level to evaluate effectiveness and safety.
Who can take part?
You may be eligible if:
- You have resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma,
- You are fit to receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
- There is no evidence of cancer spread outside of the pancreas, this will be checked through CT/MRI/PET scans.
Your medical team will review your case and carry out screening tests, with your agreement, to confirm you can take part.
Why is this trial important?
Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer to treat. Many patients cannot have their tumours fully removed with surgery, and relapse is common. This trial aims to improve the chance of complete tumour removal (R0 resection) by safely increasing the radiotherapy dose—giving patients a better chance at long-term control.
If successful, this approach could become a new standard of care for patients across Ireland and beyond.
Trial status in Ireland
The DP-IMRT Pancreas trial is:
✅ Open at St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON)
Opening soon at Beacon Hospital and Cork University Hospital