Finding blood-measurable protein and metabolite markers for pancreatic cancer using biopsy rinse samples
Official title: Discovery of Soluble Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer Using Innovative All-Patient Inclusive Methodology (PanEXPEL2)
Run by University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT04370574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try whether proteins and small molecules recovered from the fluid used to rinse fine-needle biopsy samples can identify pancreatic cancer in people with a suspicious pancreatic mass.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Montpellier, Montpellier) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 14, 2021 |
| Main results expected | January 14, 2021 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04370574 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a pancreatic mass who are scheduled for endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle biopsy because clinicians suspect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and who can give informed consent (non-pregnant).
✕Probably not a fit
People without a pancreatic mass, those not undergoing EUS/FNA, pregnant women, and legally vulnerable persons (per French regulation) are not eligible and would not receive benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will prospectively collect the CytoLyt® rinse fluid from endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS/FNA) samples and separate patients into PDAC and non-PDAC groups based on final biopsy diagnosis. The modified EXPEL (PANEXPEL) procedure will process fluid that is normally discarded to extract proteins and metabolites for quantitative proteomic and metabolomic analysis. Candidate diagnostic markers will be identified using ROC/AUC and related metrics and validated by immunohistochemistry and targeted mass spectrometry (multiple reaction monitoring), while prognostic markers will be tested with 1-year survival curves and Cox regression. The overall aim is to define a combined protein/metabolite signature that can later be measured noninvasively in patient blood using routine clinical methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could yield a combined protein/metabolite signature measurable in blood that helps detect or diagnose pancreatic cancer more quickly and less invasively.
How similar studies have gone: The EXPEL concept to recover molecular material from biopsy rinse has been piloted, but applying a prospective PANEXPEL workflow for combined proteomic/metabolomic blood-signature discovery is relatively novel and not yet proven in large cohorts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient with pancreatic mass and suspicion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma requiring endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy Exclusion Criteria: * Vulberable person according to L1121-6 of Public health reglementation in France * Pregnant women
Where it's running
-
Uh Montpellier
Montpellier, Montpellier, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Régis SOUCHE, MD
- Email: fr-souche@chu-montpellier.fr
- Phone: +33467337069
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Energy needs after pancreatic surgery: measuring metabolism to guide nutrition
This study tests how much energy patients need after pancreatic surgery and compares direct measurements with common estimating methods to see if standard formulas are accurate.
-
Liquid biopsy biomarkers to detect and monitor pancreatic cancer
Researchers test blood-based microRNA signals to see if they can identify pancreatic cancer risk or early disease in people with familial or hereditary risk or mucinous cysts.
-
Indocyanine green–guided laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy vs standard approach for pancreatic body/tail lesions
This trial tests whether using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy helps surgeons protect blood flow and structures, compared with the standard approach, in adults with pancreatic body or tail tumors.
-
Pancreatic Surgery and New Diabetes Risk in Adults without Diabetes
This study tests whether removing part or all of the pancreas during surgery affects blood sugar control and metabolism in adults who did not have diabetes before the operation.
-
Pancreatic Cancer Screen Test in Japan Using the Enzeavour Blood Assay
This nationwide screening study in Japan tests the Enzeavour Pancreatic Cancer blood test in about 10,000 asymptomatic adults to see if it can help detect pancreatic cancer early.
-
NEO-Match nanomechanical testing of pancreatic tumor samples
This will test whether the NEO-Match® nanomechanical test on biopsy tissue can help predict response to pre-surgery treatment and detect cancer in people with suspected pancreatic tumors.
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.