Monday Lunch Live
6 July 2026 (Video recording below)
Screening for individuals at high risk of pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited. Earlier detection offers the best opportunity to improve outcomes. Population screening is not feasible due to the low incidence of the disease. Surveillance of individuals with increased genetic or familial risk therefore represents an important strategy to support earlier diagnosis.
This session introduces the Australian Pancreatic high-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) Program, a national prospective study that evaluates pancreatic cancer surveillance in individuals at increased risk due to hereditary or familial factors. Participants undergo baseline assessment followed by annual MRI and or endoscopic ultrasound, with multidisciplinary review of any abnormal findings.
The presentation outlines the rationale for pancreatic cancer surveillance, summarises international evidence, and describes the APRISE study design, eligibility criteria, and surveillance pathway. Early observations from the program are discussed, together with practical guidance on identifying high-risk individuals and referring patients for assessment.
Chair
Associate Professor Sumitra Ananda
Professorial Fellow, Department of Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne
Director of Cancer Clinical Institute, Epworth Healthcare
Research & Education Lead, Gynae-oncology, VCCC Alliancee
A/Prof Ananda completed her medical degree at King’s College London and trained in Australia as a medical oncologist. She specialises in treating gynaecological and gastrointestinal cancers, and holds multiple clinical, research and education positions.
Speaker
Professor Andrew Metz
Director, The Jreissati Pancreatic Centre, Epworth Hospital; Director of Endoscopy, Royal Melbourne Hospital
Prof Andrew Metz is a gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist. At the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre, he leads research, clinical care, and patient experience for people with pancreatic cancer. He is also the coordinating Principal Investigator of the Australian Pancreatic high-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) Program, a national surveillance study for individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Andrew’s main research interests include the genetics of bowel and pancreatic disease, and the development of novel endoscopic treatments.
Resource details
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