Biological Effect of Warfarin on Pancreatic Cancer

There is emerging evidence from pre-clinical models that Axl activation is critical for the tumorigenesis and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Warfarin is a readily available drug in the clinical setting and could be easily, safely, and quickly used in patients in combination with known cytotoxic chemotherapies to improve overall survival. Oral warfarin has been well tolerated in both prophylaxis for catheter-associated thrombosis and in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. The aim of this trial is to confirm the preclinical evidence that warfarin affects AXL pathway in patients with pancreatic cancer. This will validate the effect of escalating doses of warfarin on circulating biomarkers of AXL.