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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 5000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 20, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2035 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2036 |
| Registry record updated | March 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04473794 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
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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.
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INSPIRE: Putting patient-reported info into multidisciplinary tumor boards
This study tests whether adding electronic patient-reported outcomes to tumor board discussions can help guide treatment decisions for women with breast, gynecologic, pancreatic cancers and related cancers.
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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.
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.