The Midwest Multicenter Pancreatic Study Group

[Guest guest]

Basis and History of Our Group:

Traditionally, clinical pancreatic research has been conducted by investigators

at single institutions. The types of clinical studies performed in that setting

and their subsequent impact on clinical management of patients with acute

pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer has

been constrained by the limited number of patients with these disorders at

single institutions.

The Midwest Multicenter Pancreatic Study Group (MMPSG) was formed in 1994 in

order to facilitate large, prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter

trials that should impact positively on the clinical management of patients with

these disorders. Initial members included C. Whitcomb, M.D., Ph.D. at the

University of Pittsburgh, D. Ulrich II, M.D. and P. , M.D.

at the University of Cincinnati, and Lawrence K. Gates, M.D. at the University

of Kentucky. This collaboration developed due to their common interest in

clinical and basic pancreatic research, the close proximity of their

institutions, and the relationships that had developed at Duke University, the

Mayo Clinic, and the University of Pittsburgh.

By-Laws of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Our group has established by-laws defining criteria for membership and

participation in protocols. Membership is individual, not institutional. Each

member is allowed to act as Principal Investigator of one active protocol, and

may participate as a Co-Investigator in other protocols. Participation in each

protocol is voluntary. Issues are discussed and resolved via conference calls

involving all members participating in said protocol. A Coordinating Director

(elected annually) facilitates communication through distribution of protocols,

organization of conference calls and biannual meetings, and conduction of

elections. An Executive Committee (elected annually) reviews progress on each

protocol and the contributions of each individual member to each protocol and

the group as a whole. Continued membership is dependent on active participation

and productivity. The MMPSG meets biannually to review the findings of the

Executive Committee, vote on applications for membership, and discuss other

relevant issues.

Some of the Accomplishments of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

a.. Identification and characterization of the gene defects responsible for

autosomal dominant forms of hereditary pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 110:1975,

1996; Nature Genetics 14:141, 1996; Gastroenterology 113:1063, 1997).

b.. Development of in vitro and in vivo model systems with the potential to

unravel the pathophysiology underlying these forms of hereditary pancreatitis

(Gastroenterology 116:A1171, 1999; J Lab Clin Med (Manuscript - In Press)).

c.. Determination of the clinical characteristics of hereditary pancreatitis

in a large kindred based on high risk haplotype (Am J Gastroenterol 92:1113,

1997).

d.. Contribution of cases to a study assessing the risk of pancreatic cancer

in patients with hereditary pancreatitis (JNCI 89:442, 1997).

e.. Ascertainment of the prevalence and predictors of severity as defined by

Atlanta Criteria in non-referred, immunocompetent patients presenting with acute

pancreatitits (Gastroenterology 116:A1148, 1999; Pancreas (Manuscript -

Submitted)).

f.. Elucidation of the utility of predictors and prevalence of severity in

patients with AIDS and acute pancreatitis (Gastroenterology 112:A462, 1997; Am J

Gastroenterol 94:784, 1999).

g.. Elucidation of the epidemiology of pediatric acute pancreatitis

(Gastroenterology 116:A1117, 1999), evaluation of Ranson's and Glasgow scoring

systems in predicting severity in children presenting with this disease

(Gastroenterology 114:A451, 1998), and the development/validation of a scoring

system predictive of severity in this cohort (Am J Gastroenterol 94:2627, 1999;

Gastroenterology 118:A161, 2000; Gastroenterology (Manuscript - Submitted)).

h.. Identification of a marker (admission hematocrit of 40 or less) that

predicts a low risk of pancreatic necrosis in patients presenting with acute

pancreatitis, reducing the need for diagnostic abdominal CT scans

(Gastroenterology 116:A1176, 1999; Ann Int Med (Manuscript - Submitted)).

i.. A case-series demonstrating the apparent efficacy of transpapillary

pancreatic duct stent placement in patients with pancreatic ascites due to

pancreatic duct rupture (Gastroenterology 112:A430, 1997; Gastrointest Endosc

49:710,1999).

j.. Assessment of the frequency of altered ductal morphology and natural

history of patients following appropriate pancreatic duct stent management

(Gastrointest Endosc (Abstract - In Press, Manuscript - In Preparation)).

k.. Numerous presentations of the above listed data at Regional, National, and

International meetings.

l.. Contribution of numerous patients to a multi-center British Biotech study

assessing the impact of lexipafant (a platelet-activating factor receptor

antagonist) on disease course in patients predicted to follow a severe course of

acute pancreatitis (Study #D06/IVB/215).

m.. Publication of Invited Reviews in Pancreas, Current Gastroenterology

Reports, ls of the New York Academy of Sciences, Bailliere's Clinical

Gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, Surgical Clinics of

North America, Medical Clinics of North America, and the Journal of Laboratory

and Clinical Medicine.

n.. The driving force behind an issue of Medical Clinics of North America

(Vol. 84, Issue 3, 2000) entitled Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas - MMPSG

members are Guest Editors and authors of numerous Invited Reviews within this

issue.

International Symposia on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas

The Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group also originated and continues to

sponsor and participate in biennial International Symposia on Inherited Diseases

of the Pancreas.

In March of 1997, the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group and the

American Digestive Health Foundation co-sponsored the 1st International

Symposium on Hereditary Pancreatitis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This meeting

marked a new era in studies on inherited predisposition to pancreatic disease in

adults, and inspired further studies by a number of groups.

The rapid expansion of information in hereditary pancreatitis, the diversity of

pancreatic pathophysiology resulting from mutations in CFTR, and advances in the

genetics of pancreatic cancer provided the foundation for the 2nd International

Symposium on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas held in Cincinnati, Ohio in

March of 1999. This meeting was sponsored by the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic

Study Group in cooperation with the University of Cincinnati Division of

Digestive Diseases, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Genomic Sciences,

the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Digestive Health Foundation, and

with major financial support from Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Over 100 participants

from three continents discussed the rapid evolution of our understanding of

these disease states. These meetings have facilitated the sharing of information

and ideas from scientists and physicians worldwide.

It is based on recent technological advances and their impact on our

understanding of inherited pancreatic diseases that the 3rd International

Symposium on Inherited Diseases of the Pancreas will be held in Milan Italy from

April 5th-7th, 2001. This meeting is being sponsored by the European Institute

of Oncology and the University of Cincinnati Office of Continuing Medical

Education, with major financial support from Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Sessions

will include both clinical and basic research lectures relevant to hereditary

pancreatic cancer, hereditary pancreatitis, and the pancreatic manifestations of

cystic fibrosis gene defects. State of the art lectures highlighting the

potential impact of new technology and the human genome project on these

diseases will also be included. An awards banquet will honor Henry T. Lynch, MD

for his pioneering contributions to the field of hereditary pancreatic cancer.

An extensive social program is also being organized. The Midwest Multi-Center

Pancreatic Study Group is actively participating in the organization of this

meeting and is looking forward to presenting results from the ongoing research

of its member institutions.

For Further Information About the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

Contact the Coordinating Director, D. Ulrich, II, M.D. at

charles.ulrich@...

Current Members of the Midwest Multi-Center Pancreatic Study Group

T. Amann, M.D.

Director of Pancreatology and Therapeutic Endoscopy

North Mississippi Medical Center

605 Garfield Street

Tupelo, MS 38802

Phone:

Fax:

R. Burton, M.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

St. Louis UHSC

3635 Vista Avenue at Grand Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63110-0250

Phone:

Fax:

Darwin L. Conwell, M.D.

Staff Physician

Division of Gastroenterology

Cleveland Clinic and Foundation

9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk S40

Cleveland, OH 44195

Phone:

Fax:

Mark T. DeMeo, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Division of Gastroenterology

St. Luke's Rush Presbyterian Medical Center

1725 West on, Suite 339

Chicago, IL 60612-3824

Phone:

Fax:

Babak Etemad, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian

Mezzanine Level C Wing

200 Lothrop Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone:

Fax:

E. Forsmark, M.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine

Interim Chief, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

University of Florida College of Medicine

1600 Southwest Archer Road, Room HD602

Gainesville, FL 32610-0214

Phone:

Fax:

Lawrence K. Gates, M.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Nutritional Science, and Biochemistry

Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition

University of Kentucky College of Medicine

800 Rose Street, Room MN 649L

Lexington, KY 40536-0084

Phone:

Fax:

Markus M. Lerch, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Medicine and Experimental Gastroenterology

Department of Medicine B

University of Munster

Albert-Schweitzer-Str. 33

Munster, Germany 48129

Phone: 49-

Fax: 49-

Albert Lowenfels, M.D.

Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery

New York Medical College

Munger Building

Valhalla, NY 10595

Phone:

Fax:

P. , M.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine

Director, Pancreatic Disease Center and Therapeutic Endoscopy

Division of Digestive Diseases

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6467

Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595

Phone:

Fax:

A. Prinz, M.D.

Helen Shedd Professor of Surgery

Chairman, Department of General Surgery

Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center

1653 W. Congress Parkway

Chicago, IL 60612

Phone:

Fax:

Adam Slivka, M.D.,Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

200 Lothrop Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone:

Fax:

Lehel Somogyi, M.D., Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Director of Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Pancreatic Disease Center and Division of Digestive Diseases

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6363

Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595

Phone:

Fax:

D. Ulrich, II, M.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine

Director of Research, Pancreatic Disease Center

and Division of Digestive Diseases

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

231 Bethesda Avenue, MSB Room 6555

Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595

Phone:

Fax:

J. Vargo, II, M.D.

Staff Physician

Director, GI Fellowship Training Program

Division of Gastroenterology

Cleveland Clinic Foundation

9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk S40

Cleveland, Ohio 44195

Phone:

Fax:

C. Whitcomb, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Human Genetics

Chief, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Director, Center for Genomic Sciences

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

571 Scaife Hall

3550 Terrace Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15261

Phone:

Fax:

N. Yakshe, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

University of Minnesota

420 Delaware Street S.E.

Minneapolis, MN 55455

Phone:

Fax:

I hope this finds you and yours well

Mark E. Armstrong

casca@...

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