Biomarker work to predict pancreatic IPMN cancer risk
Official title: Biomarker validation for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11361607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke University researcher is testing biomarkers to tell which pancreatic IPMN cysts are likely to become invasive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2014 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,824 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA182076-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic IPMN cysts who are undergoing evaluation or surgical resection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IPMN or whose cysts are clearly low-risk may not directly benefit from the biomarker focus of this study.
What this research studies
This project aims to improve how we predict the danger of IPMN cysts in the pancreas by identifying precise markers that distinguish low-risk from high-risk lesions. Researchers are using a spatial transcriptomics approach to map gene activity within IPMN tissue and find subtype-specific indicators of high-grade dysplasia. The work builds on prior pilot studies and seeks to translate these biomarker findings into better diagnostic tools that help guide treatment decisions. The grant focuses on patients with IPMN who may benefit from more tailored surveillance or intervention based on biomarker status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized management of IPMN, potentially preventing unnecessary procedures and catching cancers earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies using spatial transcriptomics have shown meaningful differences in gene expression between IPMN subtypes, supporting further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Peter J — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Allen, Peter J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.