RecruitingNot Applicable

Association Between Chronic Psychological Stress and Disease Course Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer

China320 participantsStarted 2026-05-11

Plain-language summary

This is a prospective, observational cohort study (MIND-PANC) to explore the associations of chronic psychological stress with disease progression, treatment outcomes, and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Researchers will ask participants to fill out simple questionnaires about their mood, worries, and sleep at the start of the study and at regular follow-up visits. The study will also collect a small blood sample (leftover from routine care) to measure stress-related markers. Investigators hypothesize that pancreatic cancer patients who have higher levels of ongoing psychological stress (such as anxiety, depression, or poor sleep) tend to have shorter survival times, a higher chance of recurrence, and a poorer response to treatment, compared to patients with lower stress levels.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years. * Histologically or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or other pancreatic diseases. * Conscious, with basic reading/writing or communication skills, able to understand and complete the questionnaire assessments (either independently, with assistance from research staff, or with help from a family member). * Voluntarily agree to participate in this study and sign a written informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of severe cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, disturbance of consciousness) or a definite history of psychiatric disorders, judged by the investigator as unable to comply with the study assessments, and without a family member who can help complete the questionnaire assessments. * Presence of other severe, uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., severe heart, lung, or kidney failure), with an estimated life expectancy \< 3 months as judged by the investigator. * Inability to understand Chinese or presence of severe visual/hearing impairment that affects completion of the questionnaire assessments, and without a family member who can help complete the questionnaire assessments.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1This study is looking at whether chronic psychological stress affects outcomes in pancreatic cancer — does my current stress level or mental health history seem like something worth tracking as part of my overall care plan?
2Since this trial includes both benign pancreatic tumors and resectable pancreatic cancer, can you help me understand which category applies to my diagnosis and whether that changes how relevant this study might be for me?
3This appears to be an observational study measuring overall survival — does that mean I wouldn't be receiving any experimental treatment, and what would actually be asked of me if I participated?
4Given that this trial is focused on stress and disease course, would joining it affect my access to or timing of standard treatments like surgery or chemotherapy in any way?
5Are there other ways my care team is already addressing psychological stress as part of my cancer care, and would participating in this study add meaningful value beyond what I'd already receive?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

overall survival

Timeframe: 3 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07529626

SponsorShanghai Zhongshan Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2028-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pancreatic Tumor, Benign trials