Pancreatic Cancer Family Registry

Study Objectives

• To create a registry of pancreatic cancer patients and members of families where pancreatic cancer is common

• To learn about the environmental and lifestyle factors that increase risk for pancreatic cancer
  • By comparing pancreatic cancer patients with spouses and clinic controls
  • By following family members over time

• To collect and store blood and/or mouthwash specimens for genetic analysis

• To offer family members a surveillance program for the possible early detection of pancreatic cancer

What Does this Study Involve?

• An interview about lifestyle, exposures, and overall health
• A questionnaire on family history of cancer
• A blood sample or mouthwash rinse for genetic analysis
• For at-risk relatives who choose to take part in the surveillance study: a physical exam, body imaging, and endoscopic studies looking for pancreatic cancer

Why Study Pancreatic Cancer?

• Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In spite of this, relatively little is known about what causes this disease.
• We are trying to identify environmental and genetic factors that affect risk in families and individuals with pancreatic cancer. We hope that by learning what causes this disease, we will be able to prevent it or diagnose it earlier.

For additional information find this protocol in our clinical trials database.

Robert C. Kurtz, MD
Principal Investigator

Sara Olson, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator

Emmy Ludwig Miller, MD
Co-Investigator

Jennifer Simon
646-735-8194
simonj@mskcc.org