Join a Focus Group: Earlier detection of pancreatic cancer through identifying individuals at risk of developing the disease and using reliable blood tests
Join a focus group which aims to develop non-invasive tests that can detect those most at risk to develop pancreatic cancer, and those who have early-stage pancreatic cancer that is difficult to diagnose with other strategies.
The project
Dr Pilar Acedo and Professor Stephen Pereira at the University College London along with other UK academic partners are looking to hold a focus group to discuss their project which aims to develop non-invasive tests that can detect those most at risk to develop pancreatic cancer, and those who have early-stage pancreatic cancer that is difficult to diagnose with other methodologies. They also aim to better understand the symptoms associated with the disease.
In their project, they will employ patient samples donated by patients with pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and conditions that present with similar symptoms. They will search for biomarkers present in blood, urine and/or tissue that could indicate early-stage or high-risk disease. They will also test whether a checklist of patient features such as medical history, symptoms, biochemistry, and demographics can help identify people most at risk of pancreatic cancer in the general population.
Pilar and Stephen are looking for suggestions to improve sample collection, consent forms, and patient recruitment as well as feedback on their projects. They are looking to hold a focus group week commencing 8th April 2024, which can be attended in person or virtually, to get your suggestions to improve sample collection, consent forms and patient recruitment as well as feedback on their projects. Members who can attend in person will receive a £25 voucher along with lunch and coffee.
Next steps
No scientific background or prior experience is needed to take part in this opportunity.
Focus groups consist of small groups of RIN members along with the researcher. They are opportunities to find out more about a project, ask questions of the researcher and for the researcher to hear what you think about their project based on your personal experiences.
If you would like to join this focus group, please contact the Research Team (research@pancreaticcancer.org.uk) quoting the involvement reference ‘Focus Group Acedo’ along with details of what dates and times you will be able to attend the focus group week commencing 8th April and whether you will be able to attend virtually or in person. Please return your responses to the research team by Monday 18th March 2024.
