Study of AUY922 in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Who Are Resistant to First Line Chemotherapy

This is a phase II study to see how useful study drug AUY922 is in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have received or are intolerant to first-line chemotherapy. AUY922 is an intravenous drug that blocks a protein called heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Hsp90 works by keeping a number of other proteins stable and active, including many proteins that are involved in tumor growth and death. When Hsp90 is blocked from working, it is believed that many of the other proteins that it stabilizes will also be blocked, which will cause tumor growth to slow or stop. During the study, patients will visit the clinic once a week, every 4 week cycles to receive AUY922 intravenously and to have tests and procedures done. As part of the study, archived tumor tissue will be collected and patients will be asked to have blood samples taken for pharmacokinetic testing. Patients will be invited to take part in an optional banking of blood samples for future studies. The primary hypothesis of this study is that AUY922 improves disease control rate compared with what would be expected from best supportive care.