Advancing our understanding of human pancreatic diseases, especially acute pancreatitis, requires the cooperative effort of a network of clinical centers of excellence and the regular meeting of thought leaders in the field. The course objectives for PancreasFest 2017: Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer, will enhance progress on meeting research priorities highlighted by the National Commission of Digestive Diseases. Specifically, we will 1) Critically review genetic and environmental risk factors associated with development of pancreatic diseases; 2) Critically review pancreatic pain and pain centralization; 3) Discuss strategies for translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical trials and practice, including needs analysis. The University of Pittsburgh has organized and hosted PancreasFest and its precursors since 1994. No other conference in the US focuses exclusively on fostering translational multi-center programs for pancreatic disorders. Attendees of past meetings uniformly praise PancreasFest for fostering collaborative research and emphasize the importance of having a small conference focused on pancreatic disorders. Multiple clinical working groups have emerged over the years through PancreasFest that focus on areas of NIDDK interest. Approximately 225 diverse medical professionals register for PancreasFest each year, including physicians and scientists interested in the pancreas: pancreatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, systems biologists, subspecialty medical professionals, and experts in biomarkers. We encourage attendance from new faculty and fellows to ensure that the next generation of pancreatic investigators works directly with and learns from senior researchers in the field. Key staff from the NIDDK are invited to provide perspective and discuss priorities. PancreasFest is also attended by representatives from industry and patient-focused foundations, such as the National Pancreas Foundation. PancreasFest 2018 will be held at the Sheraton Station Square hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, PA on July 25- 27, 2018. NIDDK-sponsored sessions will be part of PF18, which includes meetings from the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis In Search of a Cure (INSPIRRE) and the annual meeting of the Collaborative Alliance for Pancreatic Education and Research (CAPER), a nonprofit devoted to enhancing the career development of junior physician scientists in the field of pancreatology.

Public Health Relevance

Pancreas Fest 2018 will benefit patients who have and are at risk for pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and other pancreatic disorders by providing a forum for leading experts in the field to discuss results of current research and will identify the best methods for diagnosing, treating, mentoring, and preventing pancreatitis, pancreatic cacner and other pancreatic diseases. No other conference focuses on these disorders, and the meeting format encourages all attendees to participate in discussion on how to provide the best possible clinical care.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Conference (R13)
Project #
1R13DK118902-01
Application #
9608817
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1)
Program Officer
Serrano, Jose
Project Start
2018-07-01
Project End
2019-06-30
Budget Start
2018-07-01
Budget End
2019-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213