Differentiating between autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer using endoscopic ultrasound

Construction and Validation of a Diagnosis Model Based on Endoscopic Ultrasound Characteristics for Differentiating Between Focal Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

Observational Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT04834505

This study is trying to see if special ultrasound images can help doctors tell the difference between autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in patients who have symptoms of both.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorPeking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT04834505 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop a diagnostic model to distinguish focal autoimmune pancreatitis (FAIP) from pancreatic cancer (PC) through endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging. By retrospectively analyzing EUS images from approximately 100 FAIP patients and 200 PC patients, the study will evaluate various pancreatic parenchymal and ductal characteristics. The findings will be used to create a multivariate logistic regression model, which will then be prospectively validated in about 90 patients facing diagnostic challenges. The study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for these two conditions that often present similarly.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients who are experiencing difficulties in distinguishing between focal autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who have already been conclusively diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, or those with other specific types of pancreatitis, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses for patients with suspected focal autoimmune pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using endoscopic ultrasound for differentiation in this context is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with difficulty in distinguishing between FAIP and PC

Exclusion Criteria:

* Referred patients with a history of having being conclusively diagnosed as AIP or PC; Patients with DAIP; Patients with alcoholic pancreatitis, hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis or pancreatitis due to gallstones; Patients with pancreatic cystic tumors, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors or solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas; Patients who cannot undergo EUS due to unsuitable conditions.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Autoimmune PancreatitisPancreatic Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.