PANCAID (PANcreatic CAncer Initial Detection via liquid biopsy) is an ambitious international research consortium that aims to make significant advancements in the early detection of pancreatic cancer through the development of a minimally invasive blood test. The project utilizes a comprehensive panel of liquid biopsy diagnostics, which involves analyzing genetic mutations, circulating tumor cells, and other biomarkers in blood samples, to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the current methods of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, which often occur at later stages of the disease.
The PANCAID project is a multi-site, interdisciplinary research consortium that involves 16 partners + 1 associated partner from eight countries, bringing together expertise from various fields such as oncology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical research. This collaborative effort allows for a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, which may contribute to breakthrough scientific discoveries and novel insights into the biology of pancreatic cancer development.
PANCAID is committed to fostering gender balance in decision making, ensuring gender balance in research teams, and integrating the gender dimension in research and innovation.
The project has received funding for a duration of five years, which allows for in-depth investigations, robust data collection, and comprehensive analysis, which may lead to significant advancements in the field of pancreatic cancer detection.
The commencement of the PANCAID project in January 2023 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Through international collaboration, cutting-edge liquid biopsy diagnostics, and a dedicated research effort spanning multiple years, PANCAID aims to make a meaningful impact in the early detection and improved treatment of pancreatic cancer, with the ultimate goal of saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
PANCAID is part of the Cancer Mission cluster of projects on ‘Prevention, including Screening’.
In order to address the objectives of the Mission on Cancer, participants will collaborate in project clusters to leverage EU-funding, increase networking across sectors and disciplines, and establish a portfolio of Cancer Mission R&I and policy actions.
Other projects in the “prevention, including screening” cluster are:
- LUCIA: Understanding Lung Cancer related risk factors and their Impact
- MAMMOSCREEN: Innovative and safe microwave-based imaging technology to make breast cancer screening more accurate, inclusive and female-friendly
- ONCOSCREEN: A European “shield” against colorectal cancer based on novel, more precise and affordable risk-based screening methods and viable policy pathways
- SANGUINE: Early detection and screening of haematological malignancies
- THERMOBREAST: An innovative non-contact and harmless screening modality set to change the course of breast cancer detection and patient monitoring
- DIOPTRA: Early dynamic screening for colorectral cancer via novel protein biomarkers reflecting biological initiation mechanisms