Improving early detection of pancreatic cancer through cyst fluid analysis
Official title: Advancing the Clinical Translation of Cyst Fluid Assays for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11082975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to better spot early signs of pancreatic cancer by examining fluid from pancreatic cysts, helping doctors identify which cysts might need surgery, and it uses a new technology that needs only a tiny amount of fluid to get accurate results.
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 | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $362,177 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA271250-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with pancreatic cystic lesions, particularly those suspected of having mucinous cysts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-mucinous pancreatic cysts or those without pancreatic cystic lesions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by analyzing pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). It aims to accurately identify cysts that may develop into advanced neoplasia, which requires surgical intervention. The study utilizes a novel multiplex mass spectrometry technology to analyze cyst fluid, allowing for the identification of mucinous cysts with high accuracy while requiring only a small volume of fluid. This approach addresses the limitations of current diagnostic methods that often fail due to insufficient fluid samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and earlier detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes through timely surgical intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced biochemical assays for cancer detection, suggesting that this novel approach may also yield significant results.
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.