Needle-guided light test to check pancreatic cysts for cancer risk
Official title: Endoscopic Fine-Needle Light Scattering Spectroscopy for Pancreatic Cyst Diagnosis and Evaluation of Malignant Potential
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11326837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 30, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB025173-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
People without pancreatic cysts or those not undergoing EUS-FNA would not benefit from this procedure.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Identifying markers for pancreatic cyst progression and early cancer detection
This study is looking at how certain proteins and substances in your blood and pancreatic cyst fluid can help predict if your pancreatic cysts, called IPMNs, might turn into cancer, so we can find better ways to keep an eye on them and take action sooner if needed.
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Blood and cyst fluid analysis from patients undergoing pancreatic cyst surgery
Researchers will collect blood and cyst fluid from adults having pancreatic cysts surgically removed to test for DNA, RNA, and proteins.
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Patient-reported outcomes after pancreatic surgery
This project will see how pancreatic surgery affects quality of life and whether adults who have pancreatic resection feel satisfied with their decision over time.
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This trial will randomize adults needing elective left-sided pancreas removal for benign or premalignant lesions to laparoscopic or robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery to see if one approach leads to faster recovery and fewer complications.
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Examining the link between pancreatic steatosis and pancreatic cysts and cancer
This study is trying to see if having fat in the pancreas is more common in people with pancreatic cysts that could turn into cancer and those with pancreatic cancer.
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.