Needle-guided light test to check pancreatic cysts for cancer risk
Endoscopic Fine-Needle Light Scattering Spectroscopy for Pancreatic Cyst Diagnosis and Evaluation of Malignant Potential
A tiny light-based sensor passed through the same needle used for pancreatic cyst sampling to tell whether a cyst is harmless or shows early cancer changes in people with pancreatic cysts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326837 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will add a miniature light-scattering sensor to the fine needle used during an endoscopic ultrasound procedure to sample pancreatic cysts. The sensor measures how light scatters in the cyst fluid and cells to infer the cellular makeup and spot early malignant features. The device is designed to work during routine EUS-FNA so doctors could get diagnostic information during the procedure. Researchers will compare the sensor readings to standard lab tests, imaging, and surgical pathology to validate its accuracy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have been found to have pancreatic cysts on imaging and are scheduled for endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cysts or those not undergoing EUS-FNA would not benefit from this procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could detect dangerous cysts earlier and reduce unnecessary surgeries for benign cysts.
How similar studies have performed: Some pilot optical methods have shown promise in distinguishing cyst types, but this specific EUS-FNA-compatible light-scattering needle approach is relatively new and needs clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perelman, Lev T — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Perelman, Lev T
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.