PRECEDE Study Aims to Boost Pancreatic Cancer Survival

When experts unite, they can achieve breakthroughs that no single individual could accomplish alone.

Pancreatic cancer has held one of the lowest five-year survival rates among major cancers — only 13%. But we’re looking to change that. At Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, we’re making strides toward a powerful goal: increasing the survival rate of pancreatic cancer to 50% within the next decade. The key? Early detection, bold research and an unwavering commitment to giving hope a real chance.

Leading this charge is the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium, now headquartered at Moores Cancer Center and led by Diane Simeone, MD, pancreatic surgeon in the Division of Surgical Oncology at UC San Diego Health and physician-scientist in the UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Surgery. PRECEDE is no ordinary initiative — it’s the largest of its kind in the world, with 56 partner centers collaborating to share data, biological samples and images that will collectively drive efforts to detect pancreatic cancers at their earliest stage. Through targeted efforts in improving screening, risk modeling and prevention for individuals with a heritable risk, PRECEDE aims to redefine what’s possible.

A Clinic Dedicated to Early Detection

At UC San Diego Health, the PRECEDE study is backed by a dedicated clinic focused on early detection and risk management for individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer. The clinic provides patients with access to leading-edge screenings, genetic counseling and participation in PRECEDE, which aims to detect pancreatic cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.

PRECEDE also aims to address the unique challenges of early detection in people at high risk for pancreatic cancer through innovative research. This includes both clinical and basic science studies to deepen the understanding of pancreatic cancer prevention and risk, develop blood tests for early detection and harness artificial intelligence to improve the ability to detect early-stage cancers through advanced magnetic resonance imaging technology.

From 13% to 50%: A Collective Vision 

“With PRECEDE, we aren’t just doing research—we’re redefining what’s possible,” says Simeone. “With more than 7,600 high-risk individuals already enrolled in this groundbreaking study, with close to 200 patients enrolling worldwide per month, we’re building a transformative database that could reveal the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer and change its course forever.”

PRECEDE’s reach spans North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, bringing together expertise, innovative tools, and advanced imaging technologies to identify changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s a collaborative effort to give families hope and patients a real fighting chance.

A Movement for Lifesaving Discovery

Curious about how we’re reshaping pancreatic cancer care? Join us in changing the future of this deadly disease. For patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer or specific genetic risks, the PRECEDE study offers critical pathways to prevention and early intervention. Learn more about PRECEDE and how to be a part of this innovative initiative at precedestudy.org.

UC San Diego is seeking answers and shaping a future where early detection is the standard and hope delivers the strongest outcomes.