Surveillance Discontinuation in 5 Year Stable Trivial Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms

Launched by AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA DI PADOVA · Jul 6, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether it is safe to stop regular check-ups (called surveillance) for certain small cysts in the pancreas, known as branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD IPMN), after they have stayed stable for at least five years. These cysts can sometimes lead to pancreatic cancer, but when they are small and haven’t changed, the risk seems very low—similar to that of the general population. The trial aims to confirm if patients with these stable, small cysts can safely avoid ongoing scans and doctor visits, which can be stressful and costly.

To join the study, participants must be at least 70 years old, have had these small pancreatic cysts (30 millimeters or less) that haven’t shown any signs of becoming dangerous for at least five years, and have no family history of pancreatic cancer or previous pancreatic surgery. If eligible, patients will stop regular imaging tests and instead complete simple yearly online surveys for five years. At the end of the study, they will have one final imaging scan to check that the cysts remain stable. This approach could reduce unnecessary medical visits and anxiety, while still keeping an eye on patients’ health. However, patients will receive counseling to understand that their risk of pancreatic cancer, although low, is not completely zero.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Oral and written informed consent;
• • Age ≥70 years;
• • BD IPMN with ≥1 dilated branch duct(s) communicating with a nondilated main pancreatic duct (≤5 millimeter) as seen on Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP), performed within the last 3 months prior to inclusion;
• • At least 5 years of follow up prior to inclusion;
• • Absence of relative and absolute indications for surgery at diagnosis and inclusion according to European guidelines;
• • Absence of worrisome features and/or high risk stigmata at diagnosis and inclusion according to IAP guidelines;
• • Cyst size ≤30 millimeters.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Personal or familial history of pancreatic cancer;
• • History of pancreatic surgery;
• • Withdrawal of informed consent.