Study on Pembrolizumab With or Without Defactinib Before and After Surgery for Treating Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
• Cancer must be removable by surgery at diagnosis.
• No previous systemic therapy for this type of cancer.
• Cancer stage must be IIb or lower at diagnosis and enrollment.
• High levels of a tumor marker called CA 19-9.
• Good overall health with an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
• Must have adequate organ function based on specific lab tests.
• Must agree to use effective birth control during the study.
• Must understand and agree to sign a consent form.

Exclusion Criteria

• Have had any prior chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or experimental treatments for pancreatic cancer.
• Have previously received treatments targeting PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4, or similar immune system targets.
• Have used a FAK inhibitor before.
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have received a live vaccine within 30 days before starting the study.
• Are currently in or have recently been in another clinical trial within 4 weeks before starting the study.
• Have used immunosuppressive medications within 7 days before starting the study.
• Have another progressing cancer or one that needs treatment within the past 2 years.
• Have an active autoimmune disease needing treatment in the past 2 years.
• Have a history of lung inflammation or current lung issues.
• Have an active infection needing treatment.
• Have HIV or hepatitis B or C infections.
• Have uncontrolled health issues like heart failure, unstable chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or mental health issues affecting study participation.
• Have allergies to the study drugs.
• Have used growth factors like G-CSF or GM-CSF within 14 days before starting the study.
• Have had any organ transplant, including corneal transplants.