NCT05006131 · Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Pancreatic Cancer Screening for At-risk Individuals
(PancreasScan)
What this study is about
The investigators' goal is to conduct a forward-looking conducted at multiple hospitals study to evaluate the yield and outcomes of screening of pancreas cancer in individuals who are at-risk for pancreatic cancer. We plan to use International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS3) Consortium recommendations to standardize study population, screening methodology, and study outcomes.
View original scientific description
The investigators' goal is to conduct a prospective multicenter study to evaluate the yield and outcomes of screening of pancreas cancer in individuals who are at-risk for pancreatic cancer. We plan to use International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening (CAPS3) Consortium recommendations to standardize study population, screening methodology, and study outcomes.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Familial Pancreatic cancer kindred. This is defined as family history of pancreas cancer that meet the criteria listed below.
- If at least two affected relatives who are First degree relatives (FDR) to each other, of whom at least one is an FDR to the individual considered for surveillance
- If at least three affected relatives on the same side of the family, of whom at least one is an FDR to the individual considered for surveillance
- If at least two affected relatives on the same side of the family, of whom at least one is an FDR to the individual considered for surveillance Screening is usually initialed at age 50 years or 10 years younger than the youngest family member with pancreatic cancer
- Patients with genetic susceptibility to pancreas cancer
- Patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome diagnosed with using clinical criteria or with a deleterious mutation in liver kinase B1/Serine/threonine kinase 11 (LKB1/STK11). Screening is usually initiated at age 40 years or later.
- Patients with Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma Syndrome (FAMMM syndrome), diagnosed using clinical criteria or CDKN2A p16 mutation. Screening is usually initiated at age 45 years or 10 years younger than the youngest family member with pancreatic cancer.
- Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome: diagnosed using clinical criteria or deleterious Breast Cancer gene 1 (BRCA1), Breast Cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), Partner and Localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2). The usual indication for screening is:
- BRCA1 mutation and at least one affected first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer
- BRCA 2 mutation and at least one affected first-degree relative, or at least two relatives of any degree with pancreatic cancer
- PALB2 mutation and at least one affected first-degree relative with pancreatic cancer Screening is usually initiated at age 45 or 10 years younger than the youngest family member with pancreatic cancer; or per updated national screening guidelines
- Lynch syndrome or Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) mutations with at least one affected first-degree relative (FDR). Lynch syndrome could be diagnosed either by using clinical criteria or Mutator L homolog 1 (MLH1), Mutator S homolog 2 (MSH2), Mutator S homolog 6 (MSH6), Postmeiotic Segregation Increased, S. Cerevisiae, 2 (PMS2) or EPCAM mutation. Screening to be initiated at age 45 or 10 years younger than the youngest family member with pancreatic cancer.
- Patients with hereditary pancreatitis diagnosed using clinical criteria or deleterious Serine Protease 1 (PRSS1) mutation. Screening is usually initiated at age 40 years or 10 years younger than the youngest family member with pancreatic cancer 3. New-onset diabetes, age \> 50 years with weight loss. 4. Patients who do not meet these CAPS screening criteria but are determined by the site principal investigator to be high-risk for pancreatic cancer based upon family history or other risk factors, and are undergoing pancreatic cancer screening will also be included in the study. Indication for pancreatic cancer screening and age at which screening was initiated will be recorded.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer who are undergoing diagnostic EUS or MRCP e.g. acute recurrent pancreatitis, abnormal imaging
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations