DNA modifications and pancreatic pre-cancer outcomes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding how chemical modifications of DNA correlate with outcomes of patients with pancreatic pre-cancer
IRAS ID
366182
Contact name
Frederik Lassen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Omos Biosciences Ltd
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
2025-08308-01, Swedish Ethical Review Authority
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 23 days
Research summary
This project addresses the clinical challenge of managing incidentally detected pancreatic pre-cancerous lesions. These lesions carry a risk of progression to pancreatic cancer, which carries a poor prognosis. They are like moles on the skin, but unlike moles, they cannot be easily removed because they are located deep inside the pancreas.
Current monitoring strategies lack precision, often resulting in unnecessary, high-risk surgeries for harmless lesions. To solve this, our study aims to discover novel 'methylation' biomarkers (chemical switches on DNA) and genetic mutations in archived tissue.
We will analyse up to 88 historical tissue samples from the biobank at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. This is a retrospective study using existing samples; no new patients will be recruited. We will verify against the Swedish National Biobank Register that no individual has opted out ("Nej-talong", i.e. the Swedish national opt-out register) of research.
Our workflow uses laser-based techniques to isolate specific cells, followed by high-resolution DNA sequencing and AI analysis. We will compare harmless (benign) pre-cancers against high-risk ones to find a molecular "signature" of danger.
The hope is that our findings can be translated into minimally invasive fluid tests, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient survival. The research is led by and fully funded by Omos Biosciences Ltd, Oxford.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
26/NI/0037
Date of REC Opinion
6 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion