This study will evaluate obesity-mediated mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis in minority populations.
This observational study will evaluate obesity-mediated mechanisms of pancreatic carcinogenesis in minority populations consisting of adult males or females, 18 years of age or older, who self-report as African American (AA) or Non-Hispanic White (NHW), and present to the gastrointestinal (GI) clinic, surgery, or endoscopy at a participating Florida Pancreas Collaborative (FPC) site or University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) with a clinical suspicion or diagnosis of a pancreatic tumor. This study will also include patients who have been previously recruited as part of the FPC study. Our central hypothesis is that adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction contributes to malignant transformation, therapeutic resistance, and poor survival among obese AA pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases and such dysfunction will be characterized by unique biology. The primary objective of this multi-institutional and multidisciplinary translational study is to identify a molecular and imaging profile unique to paired PDAC tumors and AT from AA and harness biological observations to predict therapeutic response and target novel obesity-mediated mechanisms of PDAC development and progression using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo techniques and new combinations of drug agents.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
185
Participants will have 40 mL of blood drawn at baseline/pre-treatment. The study team will aim to have this blood collected at the time of standard of care blood draw if possible.
At the time of tissue biopsy or surgical resection (if applicable) pancreatic tumor tissue, fat, tissue from site of metastasis, and cyst fluid (if applicable) will be collected.
Participants will complete a study questionnaire at baseline that includes medical history, lifestyle, and family history information.
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, Florida, United States
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Assess molecular and radiological landscape of traditional PDAC tumors in the context of Race/Ethnicity
Investigators will compare gene prevalence, type and expression of genetic mutations and radiomic features in African American participants vs Non-Hispanic White participants
Time frame: at 36 months
Compare biological properties of Adipose Tissue dysfunction
Investigators will compare biological properties of Adipose Tissue dysfunction between African American vs Non-Hispanic White participants.
Time frame: at 36 months
Examine the role of Adipose Tissue and PDAC tumor interactions in influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and therapeutic response
Investigators will compare the biological interactions of Adipose Tissue and PDAC tumor growth between African American vs. Non-Hispanic White participants to develop new and/or targeted drug combinations.
Time frame: at 36 months
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Medical images that are obtained during routine care such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and ultrasounds will be reviewed by the study team throughout the participant's medical care.