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Vagal Nerve Blockade for Cancer-Induced Weight Loss in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

This study is testing a device called OnVagus, which uses transcutaneous LFVB (tLFVB) to block the vagus nerve. The goal is to see if this device is safe and tolerable for people with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (a type of pancreatic cancer that has spread) who are also receiving chemotherapy. Researchers are also looking to see if the device can help stop or reverse cancer-related weight loss (cachexia). You might be able to join if you have metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, have lost at least 5% of your body weight since diagnosis, and have a confirmed diagnosis. The study plans to enroll 10 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment. It is a Phase 1 trial, which typically focuses on safety, and plans to enroll 10 participants.
What's involved
You would self-apply the OnVagus device after training. The study will measure safety and side effects for about one year.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your safety and side effects will be monitored through study completion, which is an average of one year.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07700212

A Phase 1 Trial Of Safety And Initial Efficacy Of Vagal Nerve Blockade For Cancer-Induced Cachexia In Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Not Yet Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 18+InterventionalTreatment
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
~10 participants
Updated 2026-08-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcutaneous LFVB (tLFVB)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Safety and Adverse Events (AEs)
Measured over Through study completion; an average of 1 year.

Conditions

Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

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NCT07700212

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • UT MD Anderson

    Houston, Texasstudy coordinator listed

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Brandon G. Smaglo, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · UT MD Anderson

Who to contact

Brandon G. Smaglo, MD
[email protected]
(713) 745-8763
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Must have adenocarcinoma component (presence of combined histology is acceptable, as long as adenocarcinoma is present).
Weight loss from baseline of at least 5% (Baseline weight can be anytime from diagnosis onward).
Must have a tissue-based confirmation of diagnosis available. Tissue does not need to be a metastasis; primary tumor or prior surgery are acceptable sources.
Must have had progression of disease after one prior line of therapy in the metastatic setting.
Must be receiving or plan to receive another line of therapy in the metastatic setting. o If therapy is being administered outside MD Anderson, the patient is still eligible for this trial. o Enrollment onto a therapeutic clinical trial as this second line therapy is not explicitly excluded.
Must have triple ECG results available. Patients will be ineligible if they present: o Second- or third-degree block.
Prolonged QT wave.
Atrial fibrillation or flutter.
Uncontrolled ventricular fibrillation or flutter.
Premature ventricular contractions (PVC).

Exclusion

History of cervical vagotomy on the right side of neck.
Known structural abnormalities on the right side of neck, including but not limited to situs inversus, bulky R-neck lymphadenopathy, etc., that in the investigators' opinion would lead to inability to correctly place the device onto the vagus nerve.
Implanted electrical device that passes through the neck (e.g.: cranial implant with battery pack in chest, and wires running through the neck).
Metal implants in the neck, including the cervical spine.
Recent (6 months or less) nerve block or botox injections to the head or neck.
Pain specifically localized to the treatment area, the right side of the neck.
Prior severe cerebrovascular disease (e.g., intracranial aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, stroke).
Prior severe cardiac disease, including but not limited to coronary artery disease (CAD), prior myocardial infarction (MI), uncontrolled congestive heart failure (CHF).

What this trial measures

  • Safety and Adverse Events (AEs)Through study completion; an average of 1 year.

    ncidence of Adverse Events, Graded According to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) Version (v) 5.0