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Developing a Blood Test for Pancreatic Cancer

This research study is looking for a new way to diagnose pancreatic cancer by studying changes in your DNA that can be found in a blood test. The goal is to identify unique DNA patterns (called "methylation signatures") that could help doctors detect pancreatic cancer. This study is observational, meaning you won't receive any new treatments. Instead, researchers will collect blood samples, review your medical records, and ask you to fill out questionnaires over about five years. This information could help develop a better diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer in the future. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, a patient at UMMS, can speak English, and have a history of or are at high risk for pancreatic cancer.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 450 participants, divided into three groups of up to 150 each. It aims to develop and validate a new diagnostic test.
What's involved
You will have blood samples collected during routine clinic visits, your medical records reviewed, and fill out questionnaires at different times. Participation will last approximately 5 years.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary goals of the study, including technology development and validation, are measured at 5 years.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07528430

Signature Development and Validation Protocol for an Epigenetic Assay in Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer

Not Yet Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18+Observational
University of Maryland, Baltimore
~450 participants
Updated 2026-07-29 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Identification of tumor-associated host methylation signature
Measured over 5 years
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Pancreatic Cancer, Advanced or Metastatic

Explore related trials

Pancreatic Carcinoma

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1

Who to contact

Jennifer Emel, MA
[email protected]
410-553-8048
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

18 years old or older
Patient of UMMS
Willing and able to consent to study procedures listed in the protocol
Ability to speak and understand English
Has a history of pancreatic cancer of is at high risk for pancreatic cancer

Exclusion

Younger than 18 years old
Patient not cared for at UMMS
Unable to consent to study procedures listed in the protocol
Unable to speak or understand English
Does not have a history of pancreatic cancer or is not at high risk for pancreatic cancer

What this trial measures

  • Identification of tumor-associated host methylation signature5 years

    Genome-wide methylation profile of whole blood from pancreatic cancer patients, pre-cancer patients, patients undergoing therapy, and control subjects.

  • Technology development5 years

    The investigators will develop array-based assays using whole-blood samples, focused on disease-specific methylation sites to provide early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy prediction.

  • Technology validation5 years

    The investigators will validate identified blood-based circulating methylation signatures in patients at high risk for developing pancreatic cancer.