The Pancreas Cancer Research Program currently enrolls patients in the
following studies:
Molecular Classification of Cancer—collects
and compares tissue, blood, or urine from people with and without cancer
to help understand, treat, and prevent cancer.
More precise classification can help make cancer screening, detection,
and treatment more effective. In April 2004, Huntsman Cancer Institute
(HCI) began this tissue collection study to assist in profiling and classifying
various cancers. Researchers collect samples for ongoing and future cancer
research projects. The Tissue Acquisition and Distribution Resource (TADR),
headed by Philip Bernard, MD, administers sample storage at HCI for this
study.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone over 18 years of age can participate. Those who participate in
this study consent to allow blood, urine, and/or tissue sample collection
and storage. Family members and friends, as well as patients, can contribute
blood and urine samples. (Not all sample types will be collected, depending
on the disease being studied.) Samples from healthy individuals provide
normal specimens to which diseased tissues can be compared. Researchers
also need samples from patients with other diseases. For pancreas cancer
research, samples are also needed from people who have other gastrointestinal
cancers or pancreatitis. Scientists compare these samples to pancreas
cancer tissue samples and search for the unique characteristics of pancreas
cancer cells.
How are samples collected?
During regular clinic visits, technicians take blood samples for the study
from participating patients at the same time they draw blood for clinical
tests. Participating patients can also consent to have samples from tissues
removed during their clinical treatment procedures saved for research.
The consent to save tissue does not change the clinical procedure in any
way. Each consent for tissue collection applies to only one procedure
or surgery, so patients who have multiple procedures may be invited to
participate more than once. Participants who do not have scheduled clinic
visits can use the contact numbers below to schedule a blood draw.
What studies currently use the samples?
The study Novel Markers in Pancreas Cancer evaluates the potential of
biomarkers (proteins or other molecules in the blood) for early pancreas
cancer detection, appropriate surgical patient selection, and identification
of postoperative cancer recurrence.
Familial Pancreas Cancer Registry (FPCR)—Randall
Burt, MD, Principal Investigator
HCI's Familial Pancreatic Cancer Registry studies genetic factors that
increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. These genetic factors may help
with future prevention, screening, diagnosis, and therapy. The Registry
provides education to participants, family members, and health care providers.
The principal investigator for the Registry is Randall Burt, MD and Elliott
Rudisill is the Registry Coordinator.
Physicians diagnose approximately 30,000 people with pancreatic cancer
each year. About 10 percent of these cases involve hereditary or familial
factors.
The Registry currently has 100 active participants, the largest cohort
of high-risk pancreatic cancer patients and their families in the country.
To qualify for the Registry:
You must be at least 18 years of age and have had pancreatic cancer or
be at high risk for the disease. Individuals with two or more cases of
pancreatic cancer among their relatives are considered to be at high risk.
Quality of Life Assessment of Cancer Patients—evaluates
the quality of life of patients at various stages of pancreas diseases
and how different cancer treatments affect quality of life for pancreas
cancer patients. These questionnaires are completed during clinic visits.
Study Contact Information
For more information about participating in any of these studies, contact:
801-585-6048
866-809-3799 toll free
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