Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC)
The NIH National Cancer Institute’s Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC) is a collaborative research initiative that develops and evaluates new molecular and imaging biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer in its precursor or early stages. These methods aim to identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from earlier intervention.
The OHSU PCDC Research Unit
Our research program focuses on three priorities:
- Defining barriers to pancreatic cancer surveillance among underrepresented and underserved communities.
- Developing new blood- and imaging-based tests for early detection of pancreatic cancer.
- Tracking changes in biomarkers over time in high-risk patients to refine screening and surveillance strategies.
Cancer screening is not equally accessible across all populations. Rural communities and Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Latino individuals face significant disparities in access to, and participation in, cancer screening.
To address these disparities, our team collaborates with OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute Community Outreach, Research and Engagement (CORE) program and a community advisory board. Together, we work with community partners to:
- Identify barriers to cancer screening
- Understand perspectives on research participation
- Build trust and engagement with the health care system
Blood-Based Biomarkers
The Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care is partnering with Biological Dynamics, Inc. to evaluate the ExoVita™ Pancreas assay, a promising diagnostic tool that measures specific extracellular vesicle protein biomarkers in blood.
- The assay is being tested with samples from patients diagnosed with early-stage pancreatic cancer and those with precancerous lesions.
- Early studies show that ExoVita can detect stage 1 and stage 2 pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity.
Imaging Biomarkers
Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF) is an advanced imaging technique that:
- Avoids radiation and intravenous contrast
- Provides rapid results
- Measures fibrosis and inflammation, which are key features of pancreatic cancer and its precursor lesions
We are evaluating the effectiveness of MRF for detecting pancreatic disease in both high-risk individuals and healthy volunteers.
We are conducting a longitudinal biomarker study of high-risk patients. This study will:
- Measure changes in blood- and imaging-based markers over time
- Help refine the most effective surveillance schedule for different high-risk groups
Why OHSU
The Brenden-Colson Center is uniquely positioned to advance the goals of PCDC Consortium by leveraging:
- The BCC Oregon Pancreas Tissue Registry
- The OHSU High Risk Clinic
- OHSU’s participation in the PRECEDE Consortium
Our collaborators at OHSU also developed the Healthy Oregon Project, an app-based platform for genetic data collection using mail-in kits and surveys. This initiative enhances population-based engagement, particularly with high-risk groups, and integrates community outreach to better understand screening barriers in underrepresented communities.
The OHSU PCDC Research Unit brings together experts in cancer biology, imaging, community outreach, and clinical care.