NeoPancONE
Groundbreaking progress against pancreatic cancer took centre stage at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, held May 30 – June 3, 2025. Among the most anticipated presentations were new results from the NeoPancONE study, an innovative Canadian-led clinical trial funded by Pancreatic Cancer Canada.
Our Past Research Investments Have Led Us Here
Pancreatic Cancer Canada has a proud track record of championing bold, innovative research to improve survival for this relentless disease. Between 2016 and 2018, PCC funded clinical trials exploring the genetic makeup of pancreatic tumours, which contributed to identifying GATA6 as a biomarker that helps predict how they respond to chemotherapy. These early findings laid the foundation for NeoPancONE, the first Canadian clinical trial to integrate biomarker-guided therapy into treatment for operable pancreatic cancer. This trial represents a significant step toward establishing a biomarker-driven standard of care for surgical patients.
A Bold Approach to a Relentless Disease
Launched in 2020, this Phase II clinical trial was conducted across nine leading cancer centers in Canada to evaluate whetherGATA6 could guide peri-operative chemotherapy with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) in early-stage, resectable pancreatic cancer. Patients received chemotherapy both before and after surgery, first to shrink tumours and then to kill any remaining cancer cells.
This trial is groundbreaking because it marks a pivotal shift from one-size-fits-all care to precision treatment. By moving biomarker testing to the point where the potential for cure is highest, before surgery, and using GATA6 to guide chemotherapy decisions, therapies can be tailored to each patient’s unique tumour biology.
Promising Findings That Could Transform Care
The NeoPancONE trial results were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference. Between September2020 and September 2023, 84 patients with operable pancreatic cancer were enrolled, and most were able to proceed to surgery following pre-operative mFFX chemotherapy.
Patients with high GATA6 had better outcomes, experiencing stronger chemotherapy responses, lower rates of disease progression, and improved survival, while those with low GATA6 were more likely to experience rapid progression or death within six months of trial enrollment. These findings underscore the potential of GATA6 to guide personalized therapy and improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
Looking Ahead
Pancreatic Cancer Canada continues to champion research like NeoPancONE, which has the potential to transform pancreatic cancer care. By using GATA6 expression to guide chemotherapy decisions, NeoPancONE advances precision medicine, helping clinicians assess tumour aggressiveness, tailor therapy, and ultimately improve survival for patients living with this disease today and for those diagnosed in the future.
I am extremely excited about this study. Launching a clinical trial is not a small job, and there is quite a bit of enthusiasm about a trial like this. We want to do it quickly so we can move forward to the next phase.
Dr. Jennifer Knox
Primary Investigator, NeoPancONE
Increasing survival in pancreatic patients is our one major goal. Our investments in COMPASS and now NeoPancONE reflect our belief that breakthroughs for this insidious disease are on the horizon.
Michelle Capobianco
President & CEO, Pancreatic Cancer North America
Participating Cancer Centres
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – Toronto, Ontario
- St. Joseph’s Health Centre – Toronto, Ontario
- St. Michael’s Hospital – Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Hospital Odette Cancer Centre – Toronto, Ontario
- Kingston General Hospital – Kingston, Ontario
- The Ottawa Hospital – Ottawa, Ontario
- Jewish General Hospital – Montreal, Quebec
- BC Cancer – Vancouver, British Columbia
- London Health Sciences Centre – London, Ontario
Further Resources
- PRESS RELEASE: Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial Launches During Pandemic With Aim to Change Standard of Care for Patients
- NeoPancONE: GATA6 expression as a predictor of benefit to peri-operative modified FOLFIRINOX in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma (r-PDAC): A multicentre phase II study. | Journal of Clinical Oncology
To learn more about the trial, please contact Anna Dodd, Research Liaison at [email protected]
Click here to view further trial details onclinicaltrials.gov.
