# Molecular Imaging Methods for the Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

> **NIH NIH U01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $667,441

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Through our proposal to join the Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium, we aim to drive biomarker
development and validation efforts by establishing standardized bio-repositories of high risk individuals
and evaluating two innovative molecular imaging approaches to detect pancreatic ductal
adenocarcinoma (PDAC) much earlier than is currently possible. We have demonstrated in preclinical
imaging studies that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) targeted to a kinase insert domain receptor
(KDR) can detect sub-centimeter PDAC lesions. Separately, we have developed a new PET tracer that
selectively binds to integrin αvβ6, a cell surface receptor that is over-expressed in PDAC. In both
approaches, a clinical grade agent with an FDA IND exists to allow first-in-human clinical studies for
earlier detection of PDAC.
We have formed an experienced scientific team with broad complementary expertise in pancreatology,
abdominal radiology, nuclear medicine, statistics, and pancreatic pathology. Our proposal is highly
responsive to the PAR in several specific ways. 1) We propose to initiate a phase 3 PRoBE-compliant
bio-repository protocol of patients with pancreatic cysts and for high-risk individuals for PDAC identified
based on genetic risk factors or family history. Having previously evaluated novel biomarkers in
pancreatic cysts and forging collaborations with other centers, our Unit has the experience and capacity
to develop and execute standardized multi-center protocols for enrolling these cohorts of patients. 2)
We propose two novel molecular imaging trials patients with surgically resectable PDAC. Patients will
undergo transabdominal and endoscopic KDR-targeted molecular CEUS imaging, and integrin αvβ6
targeted PET/CT scan before proceeding to surgery. Molecular CEUS and PET/CT imaging results will
be correlated to histology and quantitative immunofluorescence between PDAC tissue and adjacent
normal and chronic pancreatitis tissue. 3) We will also initiate 2 pilot trials of KDR-targeted molecular
CEUS in patients at high risk for developing PDAC. In one study, we will study patients with high risk
pancreatic cysts. In another, we will study patients undergoing EUS screening because of genetic risk
factors or family history. In all the trials proposed, biospecimens will be collected to support future
integration of these imaging approaches with novel circulating biomarkers. The success of these first-
in-human trials, and systematic banking of biospecimens, will support further collaborative studies for
earlier detection of PDAC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10155080
- **Project number:** 5U01CA210020-05
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrei Iagaru
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $667,441
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10155080

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10155080, Molecular Imaging Methods for the Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (5U01CA210020-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10155080. Licensed CC0.

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