Biomarkers to forecast pain relief after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant
Official title: Protein biomarkers to predict pain outcomes after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11393734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are testing blood and urine markers to predict which patients will have less pain after having their pancreas removed and insulin-producing tissue transplanted back, helping children and others with chronic pancreatitis plan better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $726,035 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138809-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children (0-11 years old) and other patients with chronic pancreatitis considered for TPIAT who are enrolled in the POST study and have available biospecimens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit are those for whom pain is driven by non-pisano (non-pancreatic) mechanisms or without available pre- and post-operative biospecimens for biomarker analysis.
What this research studies
This project uses data and samples from a large multicenter group of patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplant to find biological signals that predict who will improve in pain after the procedure. By analyzing plasma and urine biomarkers collected before and after surgery, researchers aim to identify patterns linked to better or worse pain outcomes and quality of life. The study leverages the POST database and biorepository to develop a predictive tool that could guide treatment decisions in the future. If successful, this work could help families and clinicians anticipate relief and tailor care for those considering TPIAT.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If biomarkers accurately predict pain outcomes, patients and clinicians can better plan procedures and post-operative care, potentially improving QoL and reducing unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in chronic pancreatitis suggests plasma and urinary biomarkers can reflect pain phenotypes, but applying them to predict response to TPIAT is an emerging and promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bellin, Melena D. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bellin, Melena D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Protein markers to help predict pain after pancreas removal with islet autotransplant
This will look for proteins in blood or urine that help tell which people with chronic pancreatitis may get pain relief after removing the pancreas and transplanting their own islets.
-
Investigating long-term islet function after total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation
This study is looking at people who have had surgery to remove their pancreas and then had their insulin-producing cells put back in, to see how well those cells work over time and how it affects their blood sugar and diabetes, so we can find better ways to help them manage their health.
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Identifying protein markers to predict pain outcomes after pancreas removal surgery
This study is looking at how certain proteins in blood and urine can help doctors understand which kids having surgery for chronic pancreatitis will feel better afterward and which ones might still have pain, so they can provide the best care possible.
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Pancreatic Surgery and New Diabetes Risk in Adults without Diabetes
This study tests whether removing part or all of the pancreas during surgery affects blood sugar control and metabolism in adults who did not have diabetes before the operation.
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PancreasPlus app for monitoring recovery, symptoms, and education after pancreatic cancer treatment
This project will test whether the PancreasPlus app helps adults with pancreatic cancer and their caregivers monitor symptoms, get timely information, and communicate with their healthcare team.
-
Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery After Pancreatectomy
This study tests whether a commercially available monohormonal hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system can help adults who developed diabetes after pancreatectomy better manage blood sugar.
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.