Early detection of pancreatic cancer with an AI analysis of CT scans
Official title: Accurate Detection of Early-Stage Pancreatic Tumors using Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Abdominal Computed Tomography Scans
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11414895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use an artificial intelligence model to find very small pancreatic tumors on abdominal CT scans to help catch pancreatic cancer earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $519,520 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA304543-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected or confirmed pancreatic tumors, or those undergoing abdominal CT scans for evaluation of abdominal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without pancreatic disease or without access to CT imaging for pancreatic assessment are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
This project will develop an AI-based model that analyzes abdominal CT images to detect early-stage pancreatic tumors, focusing on small lesions and regional pancreatic anatomy. It will combine tumor texture in different pancreatic subregions, morphological features of the pancreas and surrounding fat, liver changes, and non-imaging factors to improve detection. The study leverages existing CT data to train and validate the model and will assess performance across tumor sizes and locations to support earlier diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the AI tool could enable earlier intervention for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival chances.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows AI can assist radiologists in tumor detection on CT, but early-stage PDAC remains challenging and this approach is promising but still under validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qureshi, Touseef Ahmad — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Qureshi, Touseef Ahmad
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.