A new Phase 3 clinical research study is now open at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have not yet received treatment for their advanced disease. The study is evaluating whether adding an investigational oral targeted therapy, atebimetinib, to a modified chemotherapy regimen can improve outcomes compared with standard chemotherapy alone.

Atebimetinib (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07562152) is being studied in MAPKeeper 301, a global, randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial. Participants are assigned to one of two groups: atebimetinib plus a modified schedule of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, or the standard gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel regimen. Atebimetinib is an investigational medicine designed to block a signaling pathway that can help cancer cells grow. Researchers are studying whether this combination is safe and whether it can help patients live longer than standard treatment. At OSF HealthCare, the study is being led by Principal Investigator Robert McWilliams, MD, PhD, with Clinical Research Coordinator Peyton Swearingen.

This study is testing a new approach for people with metastatic pancreatic cancer, a disease that remains very difficult to treat. The investigational drug is taken by mouth and is designed to interrupt a pathway inside cancer cells that can drive tumor growth. It is being combined with chemotherapy that is already used as a standard option. The goal of the trial is to learn whether this combination can improve survival and how well patients tolerate the treatment.

This research is meaningful for patients and our community because metastatic pancreatic cancer still leaves many people with limited options. Studies like this help evaluate new treatment combinations under careful medical supervision and bring investigational therapies closer to those who need them most. Support for clinical research through OSF HealthCare allows us to offer hope and help advance care for future generations.

“At OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, we are excited to participate in this important Phase 3 study, which brings a novel targeted therapy approach to patients in our region facing metastatic pancreatic cancer,” said Robert McWilliams, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator. “Clinical research like this provides eligible patients the opportunity to explore promising new treatment strategies while helping to advance care for the broader community.”

All treatment approaches in this study are being evaluated for research purposes in accordance with the approved study protocol.

All clinical research conducted at OSF HealthCare undergoes rigorous review and ongoing oversight to help ensure patient safety and ethical conduct.

Patients interested in learning more about clinical research at OSF HealthCare are encouraged to speak with their care team, call (844) 673-4467 or Email: sfmc.clinicaltrials@osfhealthcare.org