Using advanced imaging to improve diagnosis of pancreatic cysts
Official title: Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided In Vivo Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy as an Imaging Biomarker for the Accurate Risk Stratification of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11057724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new imaging technique to help doctors better understand pancreatic cysts, especially a type called IPMNs, so they can tell which ones need treatment and which ones are harmless, ultimately helping patients avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,772 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279965-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with pancreatic cysts, particularly those diagnosed with branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pancreatic cysts or those with other unrelated pancreatic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging technique called endoscopic ultrasound-guided confocal laser endomicroscopy to better diagnose and assess the risk of pancreatic cysts, specifically intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). By providing real-time optical biopsies, this method aims to enhance the accuracy of distinguishing between high-grade dysplasia and low-grade dysplasia in these cysts. The goal is to reduce unnecessary surgeries for patients with benign conditions while ensuring that those with cancerous lesions receive timely treatment. Patients will be monitored closely to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative diagnostic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of pancreatic cysts, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with similar imaging techniques, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krishna, Somashekar G. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Krishna, Somashekar G.
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This project tests a new endoscopic imaging technique combined with AI to help doctors tell which branch-duct IPMN pancreatic cysts are likely to be cancerous.
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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.