Early pancreatic cancer screening with blood tests and special MRI for people at higher risk
Validation of novel imaging and molecular tests for early detection of pancreatic cancer through risk-stratified community engagement programs
This project will see if a simple blood test followed by a special MRI can find pancreatic cancer earlier in people who are at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll give a small blood sample that researchers will test for markers linked to early pancreatic cancer. If the blood test is positive, you would be offered a non-contrast MRI using a newer technique called MR Fingerprinting that can measure tissue changes like inflammation and fibrosis. The team is working with community programs to target people at higher risk and make the process practical and acceptable. Researchers will compare how well the blood test plus MRI work together to spot precancerous changes or early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at higher risk for pancreatic cancer, such as those with a family history, known precancerous pancreatic lesions (like IPMNs or PanIN), certain genetic risks, or chronic pancreatitis.
Not a fit: People at low risk for pancreatic cancer, those with advanced symptomatic disease, or those who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants) are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help find pancreatic cancer or precancerous changes earlier when treatment options are more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Similar combined approaches using blood-based biomarkers and advanced MRI have shown promising early results in research settings but are not yet validated for broad clinical use.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sears, Rosalie C — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Sears, Rosalie C
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.