NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using AI to predict pancreatic cancer risk in African Americans from CT scans

Official title: Predicting Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma PDAC Through Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Pre Diagnostic CT Images in African Americans

Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11014899 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is using advanced computer technology to look at CT scans and help find out which African Americans might be at higher risk for pancreatic cancer in the next ten years, so that doctors can catch it early and improve treatment options.

More Adenocarcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$224,726
NIH project number3R01CA260955-04S1
Project IDNIH-11014899 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who may be at risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not identify as African American or those who are not at risk for pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the prediction of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk specifically in African Americans by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze pre-diagnostic CT images. The study focuses on identifying individuals at high risk for PDAC within the next decade, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment. By examining morphological features in CT scans, the research seeks to uncover patterns that may indicate the presence of early-stage cancer. The ultimate goal is to facilitate timely interventions that could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of pancreatic cancer in African Americans, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using AI for cancer prediction, indicating that this approach could be effective in identifying high-risk individuals.

Where this research is happening

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Debiao — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Li, Debiao

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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    This study is looking at a protein called RCC1 to see how it affects pancreatic cancer cells, with the hope that understanding its role could help develop new treatments for patients facing this tough disease.

    NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-11228868

  • AI to find early signs of pancreatic cancer on routine CT scans

    Uses artificial intelligence to look at routine abdominal CT scans and medical information to find people likely to develop pancreatic cancer within three years.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11172502

  • Investigating how a specific protein affects pancreatic cancer growth

    This study is looking at how a protein called RCC1 affects the growth of pancreatic cancer, with the hope that understanding its role could help develop new treatments for patients facing this tough diagnosis.

    NIH research Wayne State University · Detroit, United States · NIH-10987453

  • Using AI to predict pancreatic cancer risk from CT scans

    This study is looking to use artificial intelligence to help spot people who might be at high risk for pancreatic cancer by analyzing CT scans and other information, so that doctors can catch the disease early and improve chances of survival.

    NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-10911178

  • Fibrin-rich tumor stroma as a new driver of immune response in pancreatic cancer

    This grant explores how fibrin-involved tumor surroundings in pancreatic cancer might affect immune therapy, with the goal of making treatments work better for patients.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11455114

  • TREM2+ macrophages and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer

    Researchers are studying immune cells in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer to understand how they influence the cancer’s spread and more effective treatments.

    NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11452084

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.