Blood test to tell pancreatic cancer from non-cancerous pancreatic conditions
Distinguishing Pancreatic Cancer from Benign Pancreatic Disease using Nanoparticle-based Biomarkers
Looking for tiny particles in a small blood sample that can tell pancreatic cancer apart from harmless pancreatic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or your doctor would give a small sample of blood and researchers will look for cancer-specific molecules carried by tiny particles (exosomes and other extracellular vesicles) released from cells. The team will use a high-conductance dielectrophoresis method to separate different nanoparticle types from limited volumes of plasma. They plan to build a panel of nanoparticle-based biomarkers that could detect both early and late pancreatic cancer. The goal is to reduce unnecessary invasive biopsies for people with pancreatic cysts by better sorting who needs further testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic cysts or other signs suggesting possible pancreatic cancer who might otherwise be referred for endoscopic biopsy are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic abnormalities, healthy volunteers, or those already definitively diagnosed and treated for pancreatic cancer are unlikely to get direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a less invasive blood test that detects pancreatic cancer earlier and helps avoid unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Similar exosome- and nanoparticle-based biomarker approaches have shown promising early results but remain experimental and are not yet standard clinical practice.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibsen, Stuart Duncan — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Ibsen, Stuart Duncan
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 below.