Commitment to Research
The research taking place within the Pancreas Center is changing the way the world approaches pancreatic diseases; from diagnosis to treatment. Our world-renowned physicians are committed to continuous research of the subject with the goal of directly benefiting not only their own patients, but also patients nationally and internationally who suffer from disease of the pancreas.
Leading edge research happening within the Pancreas Center includes:
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis can be difficult to diagnose as well as treat. We have found that approximately 50% of patients with chronic or recurrent attacks of pancreatitis have mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene. This has not only helped with the diagnosis of this disease but also has led to new therapies which are being tested in clinical trials at BIDMC. In addition, we have identified the possible site in the brain where pain from pancreatitis may be located and has found that a non invasive treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation alleviates the pain of this disease and minimizes narcotic use in some patients with chronic pancreatitis.
In collaboration with Radiology, new MRI techniques are being tested in clinical trials that may simplify diagnosing chronic pancreatitis as well as detect flares of this disease. In addition, a new blood test is being examined to see if this is diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis.
Cystic Fibrosis Research
Dr. Steven Freedman's group is a world leader in understanding how the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene leads to disease. His work has spanned cell culture, mouse models and human studies examining the role of fatty acids in CF mediated disease. This work has led to the development of possible new treatments for CF. Clinical trials are ongoing.
Acute Pancreatitis Research
The Center is currently involved in the early management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis. Dr. Alphonso Brown is actively involved in several investigative studies in the early diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and determining whether an individual is at risk to develop severe acute pancreatitis. The goal of Dr. Brown's work is to conduct patient oriented clinical investigations that will ultimately enhance patient care. The center is currently focused on providing a multidisciplinary team approach to pancreatic disease. The goal is to provide full and total comprehensive care to subjects with disease of the pancreas.
Bile Duct Disease/Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
As a result of research on the cystic fibrosis gene, Drs. Sheth and Freedman have linked mutations in this gene with the development of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. This work has led to understanding the cause as well as a new therapy for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clinical trials are ongoing: please click the following link to see our active clinical trials involving Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.
www.clinicaltrials.gov
