Characterization of Blood-Based Molecular Profiling in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Background: Molecular profiling is being explored in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as a tool to assist with early detection, prognosis, and patient selection in targeted therapy clinical trials. Due to the challenges and risks of traditional tissue biopsies in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the utility of blood-based molecular profiling is now being explored more broadly. However, given its novelty, what value blood-based molecular profiling may provide to oncologists caring for individuals with PDAC remains unknown.

Molecular Profiling Practices in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Academic vs Community Physicians.

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is relatively rare but highly aggressive, with most patients diagnosed once they have metastatic or locally invasive disease. Molecular profiling is being explored as a tool for selecting patients for targeted therapy clinical trials and for assessing whether targeted therapies may be effective in PDAC. Whether molecular profiling is being performed at both academic and community oncology clinics has yet to be examined.

Barriers to Clinical Trial Enrollment in Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Eligible for Early-Phase Clinical Trials.

Background: Early-phase clinical trials are critical to the advancement of cancer care, especially in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, given its aggressive nature and limited available therapeutic options.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with refractory or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, referred to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE between 2014 and 2019, were reviewed. Patients who completed genomic profiling and qualified for a phase 1 trial (primarily 1a but some 1b) were identified to assess barriers to trial enrollment.