Detecting early signs of pancreatic cancer using advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Real Time Metabolic Imaging to Interrogate Early Detection and Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10914281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new, non-invasive imaging techniques to help spot early signs of pancreatic cancer, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,960 |
| NIH project number | 5F99CA284365-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer, including those with a family history or genetic predisposition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer or those without risk factors for pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing non-invasive imaging methods to detect early signs of pancreatic cancer, specifically advanced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions. By utilizing two innovative magnetic resonance imaging techniques—hyperpolarized metabolic imaging and acidoCEST MRI—the study aims to measure important biochemical markers and changes in the tumor microenvironment. This approach could lead to earlier diagnosis and better understanding of pancreatic cancer, which is crucial given the disease's low survival rates. Patients may benefit from these advanced imaging techniques that could potentially identify cancer before it becomes invasive.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of pancreatic cancer, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for cancer detection, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Enriquez, Jose S — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Enriquez, Jose S
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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.