Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Understanding pancreatic cysts and their risks

Official title: Diagnostic Strategies, Risk Assessment and Progression of Pancreatic Cysts

Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT04473794 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand pancreatic cysts better to help doctors tell which ones are harmless and which ones might be dangerous, so patients can avoid unnecessary tests and surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment5000 (estimated)
SponsorJohns Hopkins University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 20, 2022
Main results expectedNovember 1, 2035
Study endsAugust 1, 2036
Registry record updatedMarch 2, 2026
Trial IDNCT04473794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18 years and older who are referred for assessment of a pancreatic cyst.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are medically ill with an American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 4 or greater, 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 natural history of pancreatic cysts and develop a diagnostic model to differentiate between mucinous and non-mucinous, as well as malignant and non-malignant cysts. By combining clinical, radiologic, and biomarker characteristics, the study seeks to improve the accuracy of current diagnostic tests, which often fail to reliably distinguish between benign and malignant cysts. This could help reduce unnecessary surveillance and surgical procedures for patients with benign cysts. The study will involve adult patients referred for assessment of pancreatic cysts.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better management of pancreatic cysts, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in using similar diagnostic approaches for pancreatic cysts, but this specific model is novel and aims to validate existing guidelines.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients age 18 years and older
* Referred for assessment of a pancreatic cyst.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medically ill patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class 4 or greater.
* Inability to provide informed consent.
* Pregnancy or lactation.

Where it's running

  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Elham Afghani, MD MPH — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Elham Afghani, MD MPH
  • Email: eafghan1@jhmi.edu
  • Phone: 410-614-6708

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.