Evaluating screening methods for pancreatic cancer in high-risk patients
Official title: Preliminary Evaluation of Screening for Pancreatic Cancer in Patients With Inherited Genetic Risk
Run by Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT02478892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see if special imaging tests like endoscopic ultrasound and MRI can help find pancreatic cancer earlier in people with certain genetic risks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2015 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | May 2030 |
| Registry record updated | February 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02478892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 and older with documented BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, or PALB2 mutations, or those with a family history of pancreatic cancer.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without the specified genetic mutations or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and MRI in detecting pancreatic lesions in patients with inherited genetic mutations, specifically BRCA1/2, ATM, or PALB2. By focusing on high-risk individuals, the study seeks to identify preneoplastic and neoplastic changes early, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. Participants will undergo imaging procedures and provide blood samples for further research. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection in improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk patients, improving treatment options and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for EUS in diagnosing pancreatic cancer, indicating that this approach may be effective in high-risk populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Age \>= 18 * Documented germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, or PALB2 mutation * If no history of PDAC in a first or second degree relative, age \>= 50 * If there is a history of PDAC in a first or second degree relative, minimum age of eligibility is 10 years younger than the age of onset of the youngest relative with pancreatic cancer Exclusion Criteria • Pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bryson Katona, MD
- Email: Bryson.Katona@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Integrated genomic and clinical database for cancer biomarker discovery
Researchers are building a combined genomic and clinical database at Samsung Medical Center to test biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, treatment choice, and predicting how well treatments work.
-
Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to check for local pancreatic cancer recurrence after surgery
This pilot test uses contrast-enhanced ultrasound to see if it can help detect return of pancreatic cancer after surgery in patients being watched with CT scans.
-
Combination of ivermectin with standard skin-protective care for daraxonrasib-related skin toxicity in pancreatic cancer
This study tests whether adding ivermectin to standard preventive skin care helps people with pancreatic cancer who develop skin side effects from daraxonrasib.
-
Becotatug Vedotin Plus Anti-PD-1 and S-1 in EGFR-Positive Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
This study tests a three-drug regimen (becotatug vedotin, an anti-PD-1 therapy, and S-1) in adults with EGFR-positive advanced pancreatic cancer who have not responded to at least one prior therapy.
-
Blood protein biomarkers to help diagnose pancreatic cancer in adults
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.
-
Lm-LLO-TT and Gemcitabine in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer (Phase 1)
This early-stage study tests whether giving Lm-LLO-TT directly into the belly with low-dose gemcitabine is safe and tolerable for adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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.