Phase II, Neoadjuvant study of parasympathetic stimulation with bethanechol in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma

of this study is to determine whether the drug, bethanechol, could potentially be used in combination with chemotherapy regimen gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel and surgery to decrease the chance of the cancer coming back after it is removed. Animal models have shown that treatment with bethanechol can inhibit cancer growth and spread. The chemotherapy regimen nab-paclitaxel for use in combination with gemcitabine to treat patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer is FDA approved. Although bethanechol is FDA approved, in this study its use is experimental. The aim of the study is to show that the medication is easy to tolerate and that it shows signs of slowing cancer cell growth.

Are you Eligible? (Inclusion Criteria)

• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Do you have histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or be willing to undergo a biopsy with confirmed pathology prior to starting therapy?
• Do you have a predicted life expectancy of greater than 3 months?
• You have not received prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy for current episode of pancreatic adenocarcinoma