Principal Investigator: Beatriz Sosa-Pineda, PhD Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst survival rates in the world, and patients have very limited therapeutic options to fight the disease. It is predicted that close to 47,000 Americans will succumb to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in 2020. Meeting the dire need for new therapies and diagnostic methods requires a better understanding of the fundamental biology of PDAC. Learning more about the molecular mechanisms that govern tumor formation, progression, and spread (metastasis) is critical to improving outcomes. In this study, Dr. Sosa-Pineda intends to build on her lab’s previous findings to firmly establish the role of a new gene regulator, the transcription factor ONECUT2, in the development of pancreatic cancer. This project will use molecular approaches to abolish the expression of ONECUT2 and test its effect on pancreatic tumor function. The Sosa-Pineda team will employ additional approaches to identify specific pathways and functions regulated by ONECUT2 in pancreatic...
Principal Investigator: Sri Komanduri, MD, MS, FASGE, AGAF; Co-Principal Investigator: Robert Schenck, MD The thought of potentially having cancer is stressful enough without undergoing an invasive biopsy to diagnose it and finding out that the procedure needs to be repeated due to inadequate sample collection. This project aims to optimize strategies for acquiring tissue samples to assist gastroenterologists (and pathologists) in diagnosing many diseases, including cancers. Relying on endoscopic ultrasound guidance, the two methods currently utilized are fine needle aspiration, which is the gold standard, and a new method called fine needle biopsy. Drs. Komanduri and Schenck are conducting the largest study to date to compare these different strategies. After collecting data from patients who have undergone one of these procedures over a five-year period, the investigator will perform advanced statistical modeling to determine the strategy that best optimizes patient outcomes (including obtaining accurate diagnoses and minimizing repeat invasive procedures) and costs. Once identified, this strategy will ultimately be implemented throughout the Northwestern Digestive Health Center to enhance patient...
The thought of potentially having cancer is stressful enough without undergoing an invasive biopsy to diagnose it and finding out that the procedure needs to be repeated due to inadequate sample collection. This project aims to optimize strategies for acquiring tissue samples to assist gastroenterologists (and pathologists) in diagnosing many diseases, including cancers. Relying on endoscopic ultrasound guidance, the two methods currently utilized are fine needle aspiration, which is the gold standard, and a new method called fine needle biopsy. Drs. Komanduri and Schenck are conducting the largest study to date to compare these different strategies. After collecting data from patients who have undergone one of these procedures over a five-year period, the investigator will perform advanced statistical modeling to determine the strategy that best optimizes patient outcomes (including obtaining accurate diagnoses and minimizing repeat invasive procedures) and costs. Once identified, this strategy will ultimately be implemented throughout the Northwestern Digestive Health Center to enhance patient...
