Molecular Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of routine comprehensive genomic profiling of advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer using fresh endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) material

Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are male or female aged 18 years or above who is diagnosed with locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic biopsy-proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Study details Following diagnostic biopsy (EUS-FNA), verification of eligibility for this study and informed consent, participants will enter the study. Patients may have a further EUS-FNA for the purpose of obtaining fresh frozen tissue if the extracted genetic material is insufficient for detailed analysis. Comprehensive genomic profiling will be performed on biobanked or archival material from the EUS-FNA. The results from this analysis will be reviewed and relayed to the participants treating oncologist. In case of a positive germline mutation, a referral for genetic counselling will be made. Patients will be followed up in the Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry at 12, 24 and 36 months to be assessed for the uptake of targeted therapies and overall survival.

Availability of a reasonably safe and effective tumour sampling technique to provide material for both diagnosis and comprehensive genomic profiling can pave way for the development of precision medicine, thus increasing survival.