Structured Case-Finding for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Swiss Primary Care: A Feasibility Study
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age60+
SponsorSaskia Hendrich
About this trial
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is diagnosed at an advanced, incurable stage in more than 80% of cases in Switzerland. Certain warning signs - new-onset diabetes, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of pancreatic cancer - may indicate elevated risk, but are not systematically assessed in primary care.
PANCATCH-Pilot tests whether a structured case-finding pathway in Swiss general practices is feasible. Adults aged 60 years or older with one or more of these risk factors are invited to undergo an MRI/MRCP examination of the pancreas and a blood draw for a blinded biomarker test (PancreaSure, Immunovia Inc.). Findings are reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board. The goal is not treatment, but to assess whether such a pathway works in the Swiss primary care context - as preparation for a larger national study.
The study enrolls 50 trigger-positive participants over 24 months through two parallel recruitment pathways: GP referral and self-presentation via a study website. Feasibility is assessed using six combined endpoints covering recruitment, process quality, safety, and equity.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Age 60 years or older
Attendance at a participating GP practice in Canton Zurich or adjacent canton (maximum 1 hour travel time), or self-presentation via study microsite
At least one trigger criterion fulfilled: metabolic trigger (new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosed within 24 months AND unintentional weight loss >5% body weight within 3 months) OR familial/genetic trigger (≥2 first-degree relatives with PDAC, or ≥1 first-degree relative with PDAC, or BRCA1/2 germline mutation, or CDKN2A mutation); combined with age ≥60 years
Written informed consent
Disqualifiers
Prior or current diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma or pre-malignant pancreatic lesion
Contraindication to MRI (metallic implants, severe claustrophobia without available alternative)
Active untreated psychiatric condition impairing capacity to consent
Pregnancy
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Structured case-finding pathway (MRI/MRCP + PancreaSure biomarker assay)
Treatment groups
50 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment groupSponsors and collaborators
Saskia Hendrich
Lead sponsor
Gastrointestinal Tumour Network Zurich (GITZ)
Sponsor institution
OnkoZentrum Zürich AG
Collaborator
Krebsliga Schweiz
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov