A Study of Pancreatic Cancer in Xenografts From Liver Metastases

A Feasibility Study Of Developing Murine Primary Xenografts From Biopsies Of Liver Metastases In Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

This is a feasibility study to perform image-guided liver biopsies in 25 patients who have pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis (cancer in the pancreas that has spread to the liver). This will contribute with samples for the bio-bank (bank of tumors) and develop xenografts (human tumors growing in mice) for further analysis of genes.

This study might bring a better understanding of the metastatic pancreatic cancer and evaluate the differences between the metastatic and the primary pancreatic cancer (the type that does not have metastasis).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Minimum age of 18 years old
• Pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis
• No contraindication to image-guided biopsy of liver metastasis, including uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, uncontrolled malignant pain, inability to lie supine etc) and no significant hepatic dysfunction.
• Provide written informed consent
• ECOG 0,1 or 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to lie supine for more than 30 minutes
• ECOG 3 or more
• Serious medical risk factors involving any of the major organ systems or including uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, uncontrolled malignant pain, inability to lie supine etc) and no significant hepatic dysfunction.