UK early detection initiative for pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to treat because it is rarely caught early. Scientists know that around two-thirds of people with pancreatic cancer have diabetes, often diagnosed just months before the cancer is found. However, only about 1 in 100 people who develop diabetes have pancreatic cancer, and doctors currently have no way of knowing who is at risk. The UK Early Detection Initiative (UK-EDI) study aims to solve this. Researchers are inviting 1,000 people aged 50 or over with recently diagnosed diabetes to take part. Participants give blood samples and health updates at five appointments over two years. Scientists will look for clues in the blood that could help identify cancer early. Taking part involves no experimental medications, and the findings could lead to life-saving screening tests on the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The pancreas is a small organ that helps digest food and controls blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to detect because it often causes no obvious symptoms in its early stages. When doctors find it early, treatments like surgery have a much better chance of working well.
Researchers have noticed an important link: many people with pancreatic cancer develop diabetes shortly before their cancer is diagnosed. While developing diabetes later in life is fairly common, in roughly 1 out of 100 people it may be an early warning sign of a problem in the pancreas. Currently, doctors have no reliable tests to tell which people with new diabetes might be affected, making general screening impossible.
The UK Early Detection Initiative (UK-EDI) is a nationwide observational study funded by Cancer Research UK and run by the University of Liverpool. The study is recruiting 1,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes within the past six months to donate blood samples and share health information over two years.
By analysing these blood samples, researchers hope to uncover biological warning signs (biomarkers) that are unique to pancreatic cancer. If successful, this research could lead to a simple, cost-effective NHS screening test that catches pancreatic cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
Key takeaways
- Aims to find early biological warning signs of pancreatic cancer using blood tests.
- Open to people aged 50 or over diagnosed with diabetes in the last six months.
- Involves five clinic visits over two years to provide routine blood samples.
- Does not test any new drugs or change your everyday NHS diabetes care.
- Funded by Cancer Research UK and coordinated by the University of Liverpool.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 50 and over who have been diagnosed with diabetes within the last six months. In medical terms, your blood sugar test (HbA1c) must have been 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher at diagnosis. You must also be able to visit a study clinic for regular check-ins over a two-year period.
You cannot join the study if you have had diabetes for longer than six months, or if you have ever had pancreatic cancer or surgery on your pancreas. The study is also not suitable for people who are pregnant, or for anyone who cannot give informed consent to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 50 years of age or older?
- Were you diagnosed with diabetes within the last six months?
- Is your diabetes diagnosis confirmed by a blood test (HbA1c 48 mmol/mol or 6.5% and above)?
- Have you never had pancreatic cancer or surgery on your pancreas?
- Are you able to attend five clinic visits over a two-year period?
What does participation involve?
Taking part does not involve testing new medications or altering your regular diabetes care. You will be asked to visit a study clinic five times over a two-year period, with visits spaced roughly six months apart. At each appointment, the research team will ask standard questions about your health, review your medical history, and take a routine blood sample. Between visits, you will continue with your everyday life and see your regular GP or diabetes specialist as usual.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
- Royal Liverpool University HospitalApproximateLiverpool, England
- John Radcliffe HospitalApproximateOxford, England
- The Countess Of Chester HospitalCity onlyChester, England
- St. James's University HospitalApproximateLeeds, England
- Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University LHBCity onlyPort Talbot, Wales
- Belfast Health and Social Care TrustUnverifiedBelfast, Northern Ireland
Common questions
Does getting diabetes mean I have pancreatic cancer?
No. Pancreatic cancer is rare. Only about 1 in 100 people who develop diabetes after age 50 have underlying pancreatic cancer. This study is trying to find a reliable way to identify that small group.
Will I be told if my blood sample shows cancer?
No. The blood samples are collected purely for laboratory research and pattern analysis across hundreds of people, so they are not used to give you personal diagnostic test results.
Will taking part change my diabetes treatment?
No. You will continue to take your prescribed diabetes medications and attend your usual NHS appointments just as you normally would.
Does it cost anything to take part?
No, joining the study is completely free. You can check with the research team to see if local travel expenses to clinic visits can be reimbursed.
What happens if I decide I want to stop?
You are free to leave the study at any time. Stepping down will never affect your relationship with your healthcare team or the standard of care you receive.
How to find out more
Robert Hanson
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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