Screening Trial in High Risk Individuals
A pancreatic cancer screening trial is currently underway at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, in collaboration with the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The aim of the study is to detect premalignant lesions and early pancreatic cancers in individuals considered to be at a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The specialist gastroenterologists involved in the trial use endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to screen patients. EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound and is an excellent tool in assessing small pancreatic lesions. Detection and treatment of early lesions before they progress to an invasive cancer has been shown to drastically improve the survival rate of those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Who is eligible for screening?
- People with at least two close relatives known to have pancreatic cancer
- People who are known carriers of the BRCA2 gene and have a family history of pancreatic cancer
- People with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
- People with hereditary pancreatitis
What does the study involve?
The main components of the study involve a clinical assessment by the gastroenterologist, a genetic counselling session, a blood test and an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). You will be guided through the process by the clinical research coordinator, who will answer any questions or concerns along the way.
