Early Detection and Monitoring of Pancreatic Cancer Using Blood MicroRNA Tests in Adults at Increased Risk

What this Trial Is About

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDAC is a deadly cancer often diagnosed late due to its silent early phase, leading to poor survival rates. Current early detection mainly relies on invasive and costly imaging methods like MRI and endoscopic ultrasound, which have limited sensitivity. This study investigates using circulating cell-free and exosome-bound microRNAs as less invasive markers to identify PDAC risk and understand disease behavior in adults at increased risk due to family history, hereditary conditions, or pancreatic cysts. The study focuses on analyzing stored plasma samples from adults 18 years and older who are at higher risk for PDAC because of familial pancreatic cancer, hereditary pancreatic cancer syndromes, or mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions. No new treatments or devices are given instead, researchers measure microRNA levels from these samples using validated laboratory techniques. The goal is to see if this combined microRNA profiling can better predict PDAC risk and progression compared to standard imaging surveillance alone. Participants have already provided plasma samples and clinical data collected during their routine medical care, which researchers will use for microRNA analysis and risk assessment. The study measures how accurately these biomarkers detect PDAC by tracking sensitivity, specificity, and overall prediction accuracy over about one year. There is no impact on clinical care, and no additional procedures are required from participants during the study period that extends until early 2032.

A Liquid Biopsy for Pancreatic Cancer Early-detection and Disease Monitoring