Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Program

About the Study

This is a study looking at esophageal ultrasound as a screening for pancreatic cancer in high risk individuals. The study will enroll people with an inherited risk for cancer due to a BRCA2 or CDKN2A mutation with or without a family history of pancreatic cancer. The study will also enroll people with a first- or second-degree relative with pancreatic cancer with Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, EPCAM) or any of the following mutations BRCA1, P53, PALB2, APC, or ATM. 

What the Study Entails

Enrolled subjects will undergo Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) alternating with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), every six to 12 months, for up to 5 years.

Study Site

White Plains, NY
White Plains Hospital
Lisa Schuldt, BSN by phone: 914-849-7582 or email [email protected]

Study Lead Investigator

Principal Investigator: Joshua P Raff, MD    

People at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer

• Known carrier of either the BRCA2 or CDKN2A mutation
• Known carrier of any of the following mutations (BRCA1, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, EPCAM, P53, PALB2, APC, or ATM) PLUS first- or second-degree relative affected with pancreatic cancer;
• Individual with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome;
• Familial Pancreatic Cancer, defined as at least two affected relatives with Pancreatic Cancer, who are first degree relatives with each other, and at least one of those affected must be first degree relative to the study subject;
• Both parents affected, any age:
• Any first degree relative diagnosed with pancreatic cancer under age 50;
• Chronic Pancreatitis Syndrome, defined by either PRSS1 or SPINK1 mutations AND appropriate clinical and family history

Patients are excluded if they have:

• any medical condition that contraindicates endoscopy or biopsy
• any medical condition that contraindicates MRI
• history of pancreatic cancer, either endocrine or exocrine
• clinical suspicion of pancreatic cancer, or any previous radiographic or histologic diagnosis of a pre-malignant finding, including IPMN (Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm) and PanIN (Pancreatic intraepithelial Neoplasm).
• diagnosis of dementia
• uncontrolled, current illness
• renal insufficiency with serum creatinine greater than 2.0 mg/dl