Structured Case-Finding for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in Swiss Primary Care: A Feasibility Study

Summary

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is diagnosed at an advanced, incurable stage in more than 80% of cases in Switzerland. Certain warning signs - new-onset diabetes, unexplained weight loss, or a family history of pancreatic cancer - may indicate elevated risk, but are not systematically assessed in primary care. PANCATCH-Pilot tests whether a structured case-finding pathway in Swiss general practices is feasible. Adults aged 60 years or older with one or more of these risk factors are invited to undergo an MRI/MRCP examination of the pancreas and a blood draw for a blinded biomarker test (PancreaSure, Immunovia Inc.). Findings are reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board. The goal is not treatment, but to assess whether such a pathway works in the Swiss primary care context - as preparation for a larger national study. The study enrolls 50 trigger-positive participants over 24 months through two parallel recruitment pathways: GP referral and self-presentation via a study website. Feasibility is assessed using six combined endpoints covering recruitment, process quality, safety, and equity.