Blood protein biomarkers to help diagnose pancreatic cancer in adults
Official title: Evaluation of the Diagnostic Utility of Protein Biomarkers in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study to Differentiate Pancreatic Cancer From Chronic Pancreatitis and Mucinous Pancreatic Lesions
Run by Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy · NCT07875582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether blood protein biomarkers can help detect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and tell it apart from chronic pancreatitis and mucinous pancreatic lesions, and whether combining markers with CA 19-9 improves accuracy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Iași) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07875582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with a confirmed PDAC, chronic pancreatitis, IPMN, or MCN, and who have histopathology-confirmed PDAC.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with benign conditions may not gain diagnostic benefit if biomarker patterns do not distinguish them from cancer.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, multicenter observational study enrolling adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis, IPMNs, or MCNs. Researchers will measure a panel of blood-based protein biomarkers and analyze their ability to distinguish PDAC from benign or precancerous conditions. They will also assess whether combining these biomarkers with CA 19-9 improves diagnostic performance and whether biomarker levels relate to tumor stage, size, or metastasis. The study is conducted at two tertiary centers in Romania and follows patients over time to ensure robust comparison across diagnostic groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blood-based protein tests could improve early and accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and reduce misclassification with benign pancreatic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests protein biomarkers can aid cancer diagnosis, but combining markers with CA 19-9 for pancreatic diseases remains under investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), chronic pancreatitis, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), or mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) * Histopathological confirmation mandatory for PDAC and optional for benign pancreatic conditions * Diagnosis of benign pancreatic conditions confirmed by imaging criteria and/or a minimum clinical follow-up of 12 months * Written informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Less than 3 months since resolution of the most recent episode of acute pancreatitis * Other active malignancies * Severe systemic inflammatory diseases * Oncological treatment initiated before blood sample collection, including chemotherapy or surgical resection * Refusal to participate
Where it's running
-
Saint Spiridon Emergency County Hospital
Iași, Romania Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Roxana Grigorovici — "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
- Study coordinator: Roxana Grigorovici, medical doctor, PhD student
- Email: grigorovici.roxana@d.umfiasi.ro
- Phone: +40752082830
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.