Optimizing the Role of ERCP in Evaluating Indeterminate Bile Duct Strictures
Study on Methods for Diagnosing Bile Duct Issues
Brief description of study.
The purpose of this study is to test to see if a multimodality approach will be more sensitive without a significant reduction in specificity compared to multiple brush samples for routine cytology for tissue sampling for ERCP.
Detailed description of study
Differentiating malignant from benign bile duct strictures is a conundrum, since no diagnostic test is highly sensitive for diagnosing cancer. While ERCP is effective in palliating obstructive jaundice, standard diagnostic tools in ERCP have a low diagnostic sensitivity and confirm the stricture's etiology in tools during the first ERCP including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), cholangioscopy w/biopsy and multiple brushes for routine cytology is currently unknown. There are no studies quantifying the amount of testing utilized to firmly diagnose the etiology of the stricture, or the most efficient combination of diagnostic tools during the first ERCP. These are important knowledge deficiencies since a definitive tissue diagnosis during the first ERCP could reduce the need for downstream tests and expedite treatment, thereby improving patient-centered and economic outcomes. The added costs of using multiple tools during the first ERCP may be offset by these benefits. Among patients with indeterminate bile duct strictures, the investigators hypothesize that a multimodality approach will be more sensitive without a significant reduction in specificity compared to multiple brush samples for routine cytology. The investigators will test this hypothesis using an experimental trial design by randomizing patients during their first ERCP to multiple brushing samples for cytology vs. a single brush sample for cytology + FISH + cholangioscopy w/biopsy. To obtain preliminary data for a definitive multi-center trial, the investigators propose a pilot and feasibility study to compare the performance characteristics of each approach by evaluating the prospective clinical course, including treatment delay, quality of life, and life expectancy for each enrolled patient. If our hypothesis is validated in a subsequent definitive study, the standard approach to tissue sampling during the first ERCP may be altered.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Indeterminate Bile Duct Stricture
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Age: 18 years - 100 years
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Gender: All
This study investigates the effectiveness of a multimodality approach in diagnosing bile duct strictures compared to the traditional method of using multiple brush samples for routine cytology. Bile duct strictures can be either benign or malignant, and it is challenging to diagnose them accurately. Current diagnostic tools used during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have low sensitivity in identifying the cause of the stricture. The study aims to determine if adding tests like fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and cholangioscopy with biopsy can improve diagnostic sensitivity without reducing specificity.
Participants in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms during their first ERCP procedure. One arm will use the traditional method of multiple brush samples for cytology, while the other will use a single brush sample combined with FISH and cholangioscopy with biopsy. The study will collect data on treatment delays, quality of life, and life expectancy to compare the performance of each diagnostic approach. This pilot study aims to gather preliminary data to support a larger, multi-center trial in the future.
- Who can participate: Participants must have indeterminate bile duct strictures and be undergoing their first ERCP procedure.
- Study details: Participants will be assigned to one of two groups during their ERCP procedure to test different diagnostic methods.
Interested in the study?
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