PancreasFest 2025: Pancreas Disease Across the Lifespan

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

Advancing our understanding of human pancreatic diseases, especially pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, 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 2025 will enhance progress on meeting research priorities highlighted by the NIH and NIDDK. Specifically, we will 1) Critically review genetic and environmental risk factors associated with development of pancreatic diseases; 2) Critically review pancreatic cancer early diagnosis and treatment modalities; and 3) Discuss strategies for translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical trials and practice, including needs analysis. The University of Pittsburgh managed the PancreasFest conference from 2004 to 2022 and give the meeting its full support since course manager was transferred to the Collaborative Alliance for Pancreatic Education and Research (CAPER) in 2022. CAPER is our solid partner and is a nonprofit devoted to enhancing the career development of junior physician scientists in the field of pancreatology. No other conference in the U.S. focuses exclusively on fostering translational multi-center programs for pancreatic disorders. Attendees of past meetings uniformly praise PancreasFest for fostering collaborative research and for its emphasis on the importance of a small conference focused on pancreatic disorders. Multiple clinical working groups have emerged over the years through PancreasFest which focus on areas of NIDDK interest. 250+ physicians, scientists, and medical professionals from varied medical disciplines attend PancreasFest each year, including: pancreatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, systems biologists, subspecialty medical professionals, and experts in biomarkers. We encourage attendance from junior faculty, fellows, and trainees to ensure that the next generation of pancreatic investigators works directly with and learns from senior researchers in the field and is aware of the breadth of treatment challenges. Key staff from the NIDDK are invited to provide perspective and to discuss key priorities. PancreasFest is also attended by representatives from industry and patient-focused foundations, such as CAPER, Mission:Cure, and the National Pancreas Foundation. PancreasFest 2025 will be held at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Student Union in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, PA on July 24 & 25, 2025. NIDDK-sponsored sessions will be part of PF25, which include meetings from the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis In Search of a Cure (INSPPIRE) and the annual meeting of CAPER. .