Identifying biomarkers in blood and cyst fluid from patients with pancreatic cysts
Official title: A Prospective Study To Identify Predictive Biological Markers In Blood And Cyst Fluid Aspirates From Patients With Pancreatic Cyst Lesions
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT02647177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2015 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT02647177 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic lesions, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or congenital anomalies of the pancreas.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with co-existing malignancies of other organs or those unable to provide informed consent may 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 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nirav C Thosani, MD MHA — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Prithvi Patil, MS
- Email: prithvi.b.patil@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 500-6654
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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AI-guided decision support for managing pancreatic conditions
This project will test an AI tool that reads contrast-enhanced CT scans to help doctors decide whether people with suspected pancreatic disease need surgery, close monitoring, or routine follow-up.
-
PanCystPro test to guide management of pancreatic cysts
This test tries to see if the PanCystPro cyst-fluid assay can help doctors decide treatment and monitoring for adults with pancreatic cysts undergoing endoscopic ultrasound needle biopsy.
-
Endoscopic chemoablation for pancreatic cysts
This phase 2 trial tests whether injecting chemotherapy into pancreatic cysts using an endoscope can help treat these precancerous lesions in adults who aren’t surgical candidates.
-
Using AI for early screening of pancreatic cancer
This study is testing if using artificial intelligence can help find pancreatic cancer earlier in people who are at high risk, like those with new diabetes or family history of the disease.
-
AI System to Detect and Diagnose Pancreatic Cystic Lesions During Endoscopic Ultrasound
A multicenter study tests an AI system called iEUS-PCL to help detect and differentiate pancreatic cystic lesions in real time during endoscopic ultrasound.
-
Using tamoxifen to prevent cancer in patients with pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms
This study is testing if taking tamoxifen can help people with pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms avoid surgery by shrinking or stabilizing their cysts.
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.