Radiocyst 01
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A phase II multicentre trial of endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation of cystic tumours of the pancreas. (Radiocyst 01)
IRAS ID
102551
Contact name
Steve Pereira
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Research summary
Up to 13.5% of patients that undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of their abdomen without pancreatic symptoms are found to have an incidental pancreatic cyst, with the frequency increasing with age. In a post-mortem series, 25% of patients had a pancreatic cyst, of which 32% were potentially premalignant and 3% malignant. Pre-malignant cysts are currently either observed or removed surgically according to international guidelines. Observation is associated with significant anxiety for patients and a growing cost to the National Health Service, while surgery for this usually benign condition is associated with not insignificant morbidity and mortality. Pre-malignant pancreatic cysts may be indolent for a number of years before malignant transformation, creating a window of opportunity for minimally invasive intervention and cure. New early-treatment options for pre-malignant tumours are urgently required. This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pancreatic cystic tumours; endoscopic ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA). If successful it will offer an alternative to long term observation or surgery for patients with this condition.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1837
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion