Screening for pancreatic cancer in high-risk individuals

The Cancer of the Pancreas Screening-5 CAPS5)Study

Phase 3 Interventional Johns Hopkins University · NCT02000089

This study is testing different ways to check for early signs of pancreatic cancer in people who are at high risk due to genetic factors.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment9000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations9 sites (New Haven, Connecticut and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02000089 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to screen individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer, including those with hereditary conditions such as Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and specific gene mutations. Participants will undergo interventions including secretin administration, MRI scans, and tumor marker gene tests to identify early signs of cancer. The study is monitored by a quality assurance group to ensure safety and compliance with protocols. The goal is to improve early detection and outcomes for those predisposed to pancreatic cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with hereditary pancreatitis, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, or confirmed germline mutation carriers with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with significant medical comorbidities, prior surgeries that hinder endoscopic procedures, 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 earlier detection of pancreatic cancer in high-risk patients, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on early detection in high-risk populations have shown promise, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hereditary Pancreatitis or
* Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome or
* Strong family history of pancreas cancer on one side of the family tree or
* Confirmed germline mutation carrier (BRCA2, FAMMM (CDKN2A/p16), PALB2, BRCA1, ATM, HNPCC, Lynch Syndrome (hMLH1, hMSH2, PMS2, hMSH6, EpCAM) PRSS1, PRSS2, R122H, N291l, SPINK1, CFTR
* Endoscopic evaluation of pancreas scheduled

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical comorbidities or coagulopathy that contraindicate endoscopy
* Prior surgery that prevent optimal endoscopic ultrasound such as partial or complete gastrectomy with Bilroth or Roux-en-Y anastomosis
* Stricture or obstruction in the upper GI tract that does not allow passage of the echoendoscope
* Poor performance status
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut and 8 other locations

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 Pancreas CancerPeutz-Jeghers SyndromeGene MutationGermline Mutation CarrierLynch Syndromefamilial pancreas cancerPJSBreast cancer 2
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.