Detecting pancreatic cancer earlier using small amounts of cyst fluid
Official title: Using microvolumetric cyst fluid proteolysis for early detection of pancreatic cancer
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11092151 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to spot pancreatic cancer early by examining small amounts of fluid from cysts in the pancreas, which could help avoid unnecessary surgeries and lead to better outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $808,630 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA282269-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092151 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cystic lesions, particularly those with indeterminate cysts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pancreatic cystic lesions or those with cysts that are already confirmed as non-mucinous may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the early detection of pancreatic cancer by analyzing cystic lesions in the pancreas. It utilizes a novel method that requires only a tiny volume of cyst fluid to identify potentially cancerous changes, which is a significant improvement over current diagnostic techniques that often need larger samples. By refining the identification of mucinous pancreatic cysts, the research aims to reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve patient outcomes. The study will validate its findings using samples from a well-established biorepository.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive diagnostic methods for pancreatic cancer, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using proteomic approaches for cancer detection, indicating that this method could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kirkwood, Kimberly Saunders — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kirkwood, Kimberly Saunders
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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.