The Australian Pancreatic high-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) program: protocol for a prospective multicentre surveillance study of individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor survival, with most cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Studies in people with familial or genetic risk have reported earlier-stage detection through surveillance, and national and international guidelines recommend surveillance for those at substantially increased risk. However, evidence on the feasibility, clinical outcomes, and healthcare use associated with surveillance across Australian health services remains limited. The APRISE Program was established to address this gap and provide prospective evidence to inform future models of pancreatic cancer surveillance across Australia. APRISE is a prospective observational study that enrols individuals at increased risk of pancreatic cancer due to familial or genetic predisposition. Participants are recruited through public and private hospitals across Australia via clinical referral and self-referral pathways. Eligible participants undergo baseline assessment followed by annual MRI or endoscopic ultrasound for up to ten years, with multidisciplinary review of clinically significant findings. Clinical, imaging, and participant-reported psychosocial data are collected at baseline and during follow-up, with optional blood sample collection. Participants may also consent to linkage with Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data. APRISE will provide prospective Australian evidence on the feasibility, clinical yield, psychosocial outcomes, healthcare utilisation, and downstream consequences of pancreatic cancer surveillance. The study will also examine referral and participation patterns and geographic access across participating health services. Linked administrative health data will provide information on healthcare use and investigation pathways, while prospectively collected blood samples will provide a resource for future biomarker research. Findings from APRISE may inform future national guidance and models of surveillance for individuals at increased familial or genetic risk. ACTRN12624000421538, registered on 8th April 2024.