Radiogenomics to identify which pancreatic cysts (IPMNs) are likely to become cancer
Official title: Using Radiogenomics to Noninvasively Predict the Malignant Potential of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas and Uncover Hidden Biology
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11176796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project combines CT scan features, AI, and blood markers to help people with pancreatic cysts (IPMNs) know which cysts are more likely to turn into cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $820,640 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA229810-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with radiologically detected pancreatic cysts, especially those thought to be IPMNs who are facing decisions about surveillance versus surgery.
✕Less likely to help
People without pancreatic cysts or with other unrelated pancreatic diseases or those whose cysts have already been removed are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
If I have a pancreatic cyst called an IPMN, this work uses detailed features extracted from my CT scans together with a blood-based microRNA test and new AI methods to learn which cysts behave dangerously. The team links imaging patterns (radiomics) to underlying biology to find noninvasive signs of malignancy. Over the extension period they will add newer AI techniques and additional blood and behavioral markers to improve accuracy. The goal is to give clearer information to patients and doctors so they can choose surveillance versus surgery more safely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce unnecessary surgery and help catch high-risk cysts earlier through more accurate noninvasive testing.
How similar studies have gone: Prior radiomics and blood-based microRNA studies have shown promise but have not yet replaced current clinical decision-making, so this work builds on encouraging but still-developing evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Permuth, Jennifer B — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Permuth, Jennifer B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biomarker clues to catch pancreatic cancer early in cysts
A study from UC San Diego is testing blood and cyst-fluid markers to help tell high-risk pancreatic cysts from low-risk ones so that people with pancreatic cysts can get the right care sooner.
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This grant explores how two CALR mutation types cause myeloproliferative neoplasms and could lead to better treatments for people with these blood cancers.
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Biomarker work to predict pancreatic IPMN cancer risk
A Duke University researcher is testing biomarkers to tell which pancreatic IPMN cysts are likely to become invasive 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.