Using advanced technology to improve the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Official title: Combining Machine Learning and Nanofluidic Technology for The Multiplexed Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11095725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, gentle way to help find early signs of pancreatic cancer by looking at tiny particles in your blood, which could lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $389,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R33CA278551-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or specific genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer and are not candidates for curative surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive diagnostic method for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by utilizing machine learning and nanofluidic technology. It aims to analyze circulating tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) found in blood samples to identify early-stage pancreatic cancer more accurately than current methods. By isolating and examining the RNA and protein markers from these EVs, the research seeks to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of pancreatic cancer detection, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of pancreatic cancer, significantly improving patient survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid biopsy techniques for cancer detection, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in pancreatic cancer diagnostics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Issadore, David Aaron — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Issadore, David Aaron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PASSCODE: Coordinating and Sharing PDAC stromal research data
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-
Oncostatin M Receptor in Pancreatic Cancer
Aims to understand how a molecule called Oncostatin M and its receptor affect pancreatic cancer to find new ways to help patients.
-
Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Borderline or Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
A multi-part treatment approach tests giving all chemotherapy and targeted radiotherapy before surgery to help patients with tough-to-remove pancreatic cancer become eligible for curative surgery.
-
Low-dose, motion-aware MRI to study pancreatic cancer
A new MRI method using low-dose contrast and motion-resolved imaging is being explored to better characterize pancreatic cancer in patients.
-
SOAT1 as a target in pancreatic cancer
Researchers are studying a specific enzyme, SOAT1, to see if blocking it can slow down or stop pancreatic cancer progression in models that mimic human disease.
-
Turning inflammatory scar cells in the pancreas into helpers to improve treatment response
This project will try to change inflammatory, scar-forming cells around pancreatic tumors so treatments and the immune system can work better for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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.