Research
The pancreatic specialists at Stanford Hospital & Clinics are not just committed to providing the best comprehensive clinical care possible. Our commitment extends to bringing together all the medical and academic expertise the university possesses.
At Stanford’s Benign Pancreas Program, several of our clinical specialists in pancreatic diseases are also internationally recognized investigators in the field.
Our research efforts provide further insight into the mechanisms of disease, and therefore enable us to advance our care into new technologies and treatments.
Our research methods include the following:
- Lab-based research
- Translational collaborations
- Clinical trials
- Observational clinical studies
- Endoscopic research
Areas of Interest
Endoscopic Research
The capabilities of endoscopy have dramatically increased since their introduction in the 1960’s. Stanford physicians continue to explore new techniques for treating pancreatic disorders through the use of endoscopes.
Several of our specialists are focused on innovating ways to use endoscopic technology to better detect early pancreatic malignancy and differentiate it from benign disorders. Besides early detection of cancer, our team is also interested in novel endoscopic ways to treat pancreatic cancer, treat the pain from pancreatic cancer and endoscopically treat pancreatic cysts.
Pancreatic Pain Management Research
Dr. Pankaj Jay Pasricha (Division Chief, Professor of Medicine) has established a University research laboratory that is focused on better understanding the mechanisms of pain. The lab’s research has led to novel treatments for pancreatic pain that target neurotransmitters and nerve receptors which broadcast that pain.
DNA Research
Dr. Anson Lowe (Associate Professor of Medicine) has established a University research laboratory that is focused on pancreatic biology as it applies to human disease. This lab’s research using DNA microarrays is being used to develop new diagnostic assays for cancer and for the identification of genes that participate in disease development.
Additional Research
Dr. Aida Habtezion is conducting research in the field of immunology and pancreatitis.
Furthermore, there is a network of Stanford investigators dedicated to finding new treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Clinical Studies
Our team at Stanford Hospital & Clinics is actively involved in a wide array of clinical research studies that include translational studies, clinical trials and observational database studies.
Current studies include:
- Pancreatic Cyst Study Group for Novel Biomarkers: This is a multi-disciplinary collaborative effort that includes surgeons, pathologists and our specialists in developing a cyst fluid bio-repository to help facilitate the rapid identification of novel biomarkers. Many pancreatic cysts harbor malignant potential, and better diagnostic tests are needed to help differentiate these benign cysts from those with cancer and those at high risk to become cancer. This is a prospective collection of cyst fluid from patients with pancreatic cysts. Several Stanford researchers are actively using this repository to test for novel diagnostic assays. For more information, please contact Dr. Walter Park (Protocol Director) at 650-736-5555.
Please stay tuned to this site for updates on new clinical studies that will be initiated shortly.