The Center for Medical Genetics has a special interest in familial pancreatic cancer. Our approach to pancreatic cancer research is motivated by the view that both inherited and environmental factors contribute to the expression of cancer. By studying families we are able to gather a rich pool of data in both areas. We are developing a registry of pancreatic cancer families that will enable future research studies into early detection and prevention.
Clinical Pancreatic Cancer Research - Open to Enrollment
Laboratory Studies
^ Back to TopNorthShore University HealthSystem Pancreatic Cancer Family Registry
We are creating a database of families, DNA and tissue samples to use as a resource for pancreatic cancer research.
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Wendy S. Rubinstein, MD, PhD
Co-Investigators: Karen Kaul, MD, PhD
Capsule
The NorthShore University HealthSystem Pancreatic Cancer Registry consists of both pancreatic cancer patients and individuals with a family history of the disease. Many families were identified as part of an overwhelming response to a survey in the Saturday Evening Post regarding family histories of pancreatic cancer. The large response to the survey as well as our extensive personal experience with pancreatic cancer patients and their families has made it clear to us that people have a desire to learn more about the causes of this disease. The information and DNA specimens obtained as part of registry participation will function as a resource for pancreatic cancer researchers.
The primary aim of the research study is to establish a Pancreatic Cancer Family Registry (PCFR) at NorthShore University HealthSystem that will serve as a resource pool for future research into the molecular and biological bases of pancreatic cancer susceptibility. The PCFR will act as a repository for socio-demographic, dietary, environmental, clinical and family history data collected from individuals and interested family members with a personal and/or family history of pancreatic cancer.
Study Participant Recruitment & Eligibility
Recruitment open
Inclusion criteria:
Adults who have a personal history of pancreatic cancer
Individuals who are members of a family with 1 or more individuals with pancreatic cancer
Individuals who have been identified by clinical DNA testing as genetically predisposed to pancreatic cancer (e.g. p16 or BRCA2 mutation carriers)
You will be asked to donate a small blood sample from which your DNA will be isolated, provide your family and personal medical history, donate a sample of pancreatic tissue (if you undergo pancreatic surgery) and recruit other family members to the study, if possible.
If interested in participating in this study, please call us for more specific information on eligibility 847-570-1029 or toll free at 1-800-385-7668.
Outcomes
To date, we have enrolled nearly 300 individuals in the Pancreatic Cancer Family Registry.
Publications
Brand RE. Lerch MM. Rubinstein WS. Neoptolemos JP. Whitcomb DC. Hruban RH. Brentnall TA. Lynch HT. Canto MI. Participants of the Fourth International Symposium of Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas. Advances in counselling and surveillance of patients at risk for pancreatic cancer. Gut. 56(10):1460-9, 2007 Oct.
The Development of a Pancreatic Tissue Bank to Serve as a Resource for the Development of Biological Markers for the Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Malcolm Bilimoria, MD
Co-Investigator: Karen Kaul, MD, PhD
Capsule
The purpose of this study is to develop a tissue bank to use as a resource for the development of biomarkers and molecular genetic markers of a pre-cancer event, as well as for other pancreatic cancer related investigations.
The tissue bank consists of blood, stool and pancreatic juice specimens. These specimens are collected to use in research identifying abnormal proteins (or biomarkers) that are present in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. Biomarkers may lead to an accurate and specific early detection screening test for pancreatic cancer which is less invasive than current methods.
Study Participant Recruitment & Eligibility
Recruitment open
Any individual undergoing an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Any member of a pancreatic cancer-prone family
Any individual undergoing pancreatic surgery
Any individual undergoing endoscopic ultrasound for staging of a pancreatic mass
Patients diagnosed with acute or chronic pancreatitis
Patients with abnormal liver blood levels suspected to be caused by biliary obstruction
Patients with pancreatic cancer
Patients with other gastrointestinal malignancies (such as colon, esophageal, or stomach)
If interested in participating in this study, please call us for more specific information on eligibility 847-832-6212.
Outcomes
To date, we have enrolled nearly 150 individuals in the pancreatic tissue bank.
Biomedical Computing tools for Pancreatic Cancer Research
We are developing data mining techniques to enable researchers to better utilize data stored in family health history registries.
Investigators
Study Principal Investigator: Simon Sherman, PhD (University of Nebraska Medical Center)
NorthShore University HealthSystem Site Co-Investigator: Wendy S. Rubinstein, MD, PhD
Capsule
The overall goal of this project is to develop Integrated Biomedical Computing Tools for better understanding and treatment of pancreatic cancer by using the power of computer and information sciences. This project will result in the design and development of databases, graphical interfaces and querying approaches, as well as the development of tools for data retrieval, data visualization, data processing and data integration. Such design techniques will facilitate the ability to collect an enlarged variety of data as well as implement advanced statistical methodologies for data analysis.
Study Participant Recruitment & Eligibility
Subjects enrolled in the PCFR