RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

In-Depth Characterisation of Biliary Strictures and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Focal Lesions for Development of New Technologies to Tackle Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancers

This research focuses on studying cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas, which are often found late and are hard to treat. Doctors want to understand these cancers in much more detail to create new tools for diagnosis and treatment. By collecting tissue and fluid samples during routine care, they hope to develop advanced techniques like special imaging and robotic systems. The goal is to improve early detection, get more accurate diagnoses, and find better ways to treat these aggressive cancers, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This project combines engineering, biology, and device development to tackle these challenging conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

160

Start

25 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2030

Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC)Biliary Tract Cancer (CCA)Cholangiocarcinoma Cholangiocarcinoma Cancer Cholangio Carcinoma Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic Cyst

What is this study about?

Cancers affecting the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas are becoming more common and are very challenging to treat. These cancers, like cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer, are often found at a later stage because their symptoms can be vague, and it’s difficult to get clear pictures or biopsies (tissue samples).

This study, run by Nottingham University Hospitals, aims to get a much deeper understanding of these cancers and other related lumps or blockages. The ultimate goal is to develop completely new ways to find these cancers earlier, diagnose them more accurately, and treat them more effectively. Researchers are particularly interested in finding differences between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions, which can look very similar on standard tests.

To do this, the study will collect different kinds of samples, such as blood, bile, and tissue, during regular hospital visits and procedures. These samples will help scientists learn more about the cancer at a molecular level. This knowledge will then be used to create exciting new technologies, such as tiny cameras that can see better inside the body, special light tests (like Raman spectroscopy) to spot cancer cells, and even small robotic tools for precise diagnosis and treatment.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for liver, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers.
Researchers are collecting samples during routine hospital visits to understand these aggressive cancers better.
The goal is to develop new technologies for earlier and more accurate detection, and better treatments.
Participation involves providing extra samples during procedures you're already having, with minimal extra risk.
The research could lead to significant improvements for future patients facing these challenging cancers.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 16 years old or older and are already receiving care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

This includes if you are being investigated or treated for a suspected blockage in your bile ducts, or any lump or cyst in your liver, pancreas, or bile ducts. You could also be eligible if you are having surgery for cancer in your liver, pancreas, or gall bladder, such as a Whipple procedure or removal of your gall bladder.

Essentially, if you are having routine care for one of these conditions at Nottingham University Hospitals, you may be invited to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you attending Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) for care?
Are you being investigated or treated for a suspected issue in your liver, pancreas, or bile ducts (e.g., a lump, cyst, or blockage)?
Are you having surgery for cancer in your liver, pancreas, or gall bladder at NUH?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, this study will involve collecting extra samples during your routine medical care. This means that if you are already having a procedure where tissue or fluid samples (like bile or pancreatic fluid) are being taken for your usual diagnosis or treatment, some extra material might be collected for this research. This won't increase the risk of your procedure. Additionally, blood samples will be taken when you enroll in the study; these can be taken before or after a final diagnosis is made. The study will last for a total of 60 months from its start, but your personal involvement will depend on your treatment journey and when samples are collected.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part are not directly for you, but your contribution will help future patients by leading to a better understanding of these difficult cancers and developing new, more effective diagnostic tools and treatments. The risks are very low, as samples are mainly collected during procedures you would be having anyway, and researchers ensure this doesn't add extra risk. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancers is this study looking at?

It's focusing on cancers of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas, as well as other related growths or blockages in these areas.

Will taking part involve extra appointments or risky procedures for me?

No, samples are mostly collected during procedures you're already having as part of your standard care, and it shouldn't add extra risks or appointments.

What will researchers do with my samples?

They will use them to better understand these cancers and develop new diagnostic tools and treatments, like special imaging or robotic systems.

Who is funding this research?

This important research is funded by government organisations like UKRI and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Saikat Mandal, MBBS, MD, MRCEM

saikat.mandal@nottingham.ac.uk (+44) 0115 970 9900 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.