Elucidation of the pathogenesis of focal parenchymal atrophy of the pancreas and its clinical application to the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K15915
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 53010:Gastroenterology-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Miura Shin 東北大学, 大学病院, 助教 (30756937)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: pancreatic cancer / early diagnosis

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted a retrospective study on focal atrophy of the pancreas, reporting our findings in the journal Diagnostic. In reviewing past images of pancreatic cancer cases, focal atrophy was identified in 34.2% of patients, significantly more than in the control group (3.9%). Focal atrophy often appeared before main pancreatic duct stenosis/dilatation, suggesting it could be an early sign of pancreatic cancer. Based on these findings, we considered focal atrophy useful for early diagnosis. To verify this hypothesis, we started a multicenter prospective observational study. Because accumulating cases at a single institution is challenging, 51 specialized institutions nationwide are participating. The study is scheduled to continue until 2029, aiming to determine the usefulness of focal atrophy in early pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Free Research Field

胆膵領域の診断、治療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

膵癌は最も予後不良な癌であり、Stage I期の症例であっても多くが再発するため、さらに早期の段階である膵上皮内癌での診断が望まれている。しかし、この段階では腫瘤が形成されておらず腫瘍の存在を捉えることは困難であった。本研究では、膵上皮内癌を発見しうる画像所見として限局性膵萎縮に着目した。本研究成果は膵癌早期診断の一歩となる所見の臨床像を解明し、大規模多施設共同前向き観察研究を計画するに至った。