Image

Blood Markers of Early Pancreas Cancer

Blood Markers of Early Pancreas Cancer

Recruiting
19 years and older
All
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

Identifying biomarkers of early pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could facilitate screening for individuals at higher than average risk and expedite the diagnosis in individuals with symptoms and substantially improve an individual's chance of surviving the disease.

The investigators propose a longitudinal study of subjects at higher than average risk of PDAC in order to generate clinical data and bank serial blood specimens.

Description

Patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have only an 10% chance of surviving 5 years after diagnosis. Most PDAC is advanced and not amenable to curative therapies at the time of diagnosis, owing to lack of symptoms in early disease, nonspecific symptoms when they do develop resulting in a delay in diagnosis. Identifying biomarkers of early PDAC could facilitate screening for individuals at higher than average risk and expedite the diagnosis in individuals with symptoms and substantially improve an individual's chance of surviving the disease.

The investigators propose a longitudinal study of participants at higher than average risk of PDAC in order to generate clinical data and bank serial blood specimens. Participants will include individuals with family history of pancreas cancer, individuals with cystic pancreas lesions or chronic pancreatitis, and individuals with new-onset diabetes. Identifying specific biomarkers - blood markers and/or a clinical "prodrome" - in participants who go on to develop PDAC could improve the diagnostic approach outcomes for patients diagnosed with PDAC.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age ≥19
  • Able to provide written, informed consent
  • Able to attend an in-person study visit in Omaha, NE twice a year to collect blood samples
  • Must also meet criteria for one specific cohort. Participants who meet criteria for more than one cohort are eligible. (The intent being that potential participants must meet the criteria for at least one cohort, but are eligible if criteria are met for more than one cohort)
    • New onset diabetes/high-risk pre-diabetes cohort: must meet one of the following criteria: New onset type 2 diabetes diagnosed within the past 3 years, defined as A1c ≥ 6.5%, fasting blood glucose \>126mg/dL confirmed on a subsequent day or as diagnosed by a physician High-risk pre-diabetes: A1c \>6.3% or A1c \>6.0% with fasting blood glucose \>110 or 2 hour oral glucose tolerance test between 140-200mg/dL, or taken metformin \<3 years
    • Pancreatic cystic neoplasm/pancreatitis cohort: must have one of the following diagnoses: Pancreatic cystic neoplasm for which resection, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or serial imaging has been recommended Chronic pancreatitis as defined by cross-sectional imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, functional testing abnormalities OR as diagnosed by a gastroenterologist
    • Inherited risk cohort: must meet one of the following criteria: Two or more blood relatives with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), includes 1st-3rd degree relatives (First - parent, sibling or child; Second - grandparent, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, or half-sibling; Third - first cousin, great grand parent or great grandchild) One 1st degree relative with PDAC diagnosed before age 60; Germline mutation associated with a higher than average risk of PDAC, including but not limited to: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes (BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2) Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch) syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) Familial adenomatous polyposis (APC) Familial atypical multiple melanoma and mole syndrome (CKDN2a, p16) Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (STK11) Ataxia-telangectasia (ATM) Juvenile polyposis syndromes (SMAD4, BMPR1A) Li Fraumeni (TP53) Cystic fibrosis and unaffected carriers (CFTR) Personal or family history which meets clinical criteria for a hereditary cancer syndrome and includes a relative with PDAC (as above)

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Personal history of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
  • Currently receiving treatment for a cancer diagnosis (excluding long-term hormonal therapy)
  • Pre-diabetes on metformin for ≥ 3 years

Study details
    Diabetes Mellitus
    Type 2
    PreDiabetes
    Pancreas Cyst
    Chronic Pancreatitis
    Genetic Predisposition to Disease
    Inherited Disease

NCT03568630

University of Nebraska

15 May 2026

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.