Identifying biomarkers in blood and cyst fluid from patients with pancreatic cysts

A Prospective Study To Identify Predictive Biological Markers In Blood And Cyst Fluid Aspirates From Patients With Pancreatic Cyst Lesions

Observational The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT02647177

This study is trying to find helpful markers in blood and fluid from pancreatic cysts to improve how doctors diagnose and manage pancreatic conditions for patients with these cysts.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT02647177 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine the diagnostic potential of various biological markers found in blood and cyst fluid aspirates from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic lesions. Over a 10-year period, the study will enroll patients undergoing cyst aspiration and collect data on demographics, medical history, and imaging results. The goal is to create a repository of pancreatic cyst fluid and blood samples to identify predictive markers that could improve diagnosis and management of pancreatic conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic lesions, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or congenital anomalies of the pancreas.

Not a fit: Patients with co-existing malignancies of other organs or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for pancreatic cystic lesions, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored biomarkers in pancreatic conditions, this specific approach focusing on cyst fluid and blood in a prospective cohort is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions (PCLs) or Acute Pancreatitis (AP) or chronic pancreatitis(CP) or Pancreatic Cancer (PC) (any stage/grade) or congenital developmental anomalies of the pancreas.
* Any combination of the diagnoses above.
* Patients must provide written informed consent for the collection of blood specimens for research purposes.
* Patients with PCLs must provide informed consent for collection of excess cyst fluid aspirate remaining after testing for routine standard of care
* Patients with pancreatic Cystic Lesions (PCLs) or AP or CP or PC (any stage/grade) or congenital developmental anomalies of the pancreas undergoing surgery must provide informed consent for collection of surgical specimen

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with co-existing malignancies of other organs (or prior history of such)
* Patients unable to provide informed consent
* Patients unable to complete follow up

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
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.