PANSPEC: Spectroscopic diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PANSPEC: Developing Rapid Serum Spectroscopy for Early\nDiagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
IRAS ID
238735
Contact name
Matthew J Baker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Strathclyde University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study aims to investigate if pancreatic cancer can be diagnosed by a blood test. Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related death in the UK. Earlier detection causes better outcomes for patients however, there are currently no early diagnostic tests available for pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, symptoms of pancreatic cancer are non-specific and are shared with other disorders that are harmless. Therefore, it is a challenge for doctors in general practise and hospitals to diagnose pancreatic cancer.\n\nIn a collaboration between Strathclyde Univeristy, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board, University of Glasgow & CRUK Beatson Institute and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation trust a blood test is being developed that uses a technique that uses vibrational spectroscopy to detect cancer-related changes in patient blood samples. The technique uses equipment that measures the molecular vibrations of different compounds within the samples via the absorbance/scattering of light. Blood samples will be taken from patients with various stages of pancreatic cancer and matched control patients. The results from this technique can be used to create a unique ’fingerprint’ that can be used to diagnose cancer or lack thereof from patient samples.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0027
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion