Early detection biomarkers for pancreatic cancer and high-risk lesions
Official title: Development of a panel of multiplex biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and high-risk lesions
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11348928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Johns Hopkins aims to find blood-based biomarkers that could flag pancreatic cancer and high-risk precursor lesions early, especially in people already under surveillance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $809,561 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA274514-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at high risk for pancreatic cancer undergoing regular surveillance or evaluation for premalignant lesions.
✕Less likely to help
People not at elevated risk or not in a surveillance program may not directly benefit from this biomarker panel.
What this research studies
This project looks for a panel of biomarkers in blood that can identify early-stage pancreatic cancer and premalignant lesions in individuals at elevated risk. Researchers will develop and test a multivariate in vitro diagnostic tool that could be used during regular surveillance to detect rising cancer risk. The work involves clinical evaluation of high-risk individuals, serum biomarker discovery, and assays that could be repeated over time to catch disease earlier. If successful, the approach could guide timely imaging and interventions for those most likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier detection of pancreatic cancer, improving survival by prompting sooner treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that serum biomarkers can aid in early detection, but this approach aims to integrate multiple markers into a calibrated screening tool.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Daniel Wanyui — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Chan, Daniel Wanyui
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fibrin-rich tumor stroma as a new driver of immune response in pancreatic cancer
This grant explores how fibrin-involved tumor surroundings in pancreatic cancer might affect immune therapy, with the goal of making treatments work better for patients.
-
TREM2+ macrophages and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer
Researchers are studying immune cells in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer to understand how they influence the cancer’s spread and more effective treatments.
-
Protein S could slow pancreatic cancer and blood clots
A potential treatment study looks at restoring a natural blood protein, Protein S, to help people with pancreatic cancer by slowing tumor growth and reducing dangerous clots.
-
In vivo B7-H3 CAR-T cells for pancreatic cancer therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach that aims to produce CAR-T cells directly inside the body to target pancreatic cancer.
-
Metabolic changes in pancreatic cancer when treated with crisantaspase
Aims to understand how pancreatic cancer cells adapt their metabolism when treated with crisantaspase to inform better treatment strategies for patients.
-
New combination therapy for pancreatic cancer in animals
A new therapy designed to weaken the tumor’s protective surroundings and boost treatment effects in pancreatic cancer models.
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.