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InstaDiag Pancreas: Speeding Up the Diagnosis of Suspected Pancreatic Abnormalities
An abnormality in the pancreas, detected during an imaging test or evaluation performed at a local facility, may require prompt specialist consultation. Launched in 2024, InstaDiag Pancreas makes it possible to quickly arrange the consultations and tests needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. This pathway is intended for patients with a suspected pancreatic abnormality or a recent diagnosis requiring rapid specialized evaluation, which is particularly important in cases of pancreatic tumors.
InstaDiag Pancreas: What Is It?
InstaDiag Pancreas is a rapid diagnostic pathway designed for suspected pancreatic abnormalities and recent diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. It is a system that coordinates appointments, imaging tests, any necessary biopsies, and the review of the patient’s medical records by a specialized team. The goal is to reduce the time between the initial suspicion, confirmation of the diagnosis, and the development of a treatment strategy. Some results—particularly those following a biopsy or an endoscopic ultrasound with tissue sampling—may take several days.
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2024
Launch of the InstaDiag Pancreas care pathway at Gustave Roussy.
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48 hours maximum
An initial consultation can be scheduled within 48 hours (during business hours) after the request has been reviewed.
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7 days
The treatment plan can be approved at a multidisciplinary team meeting within 7 days, depending on the necessary tests and the patient's condition.
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A file prepared in advance: a medical assistant helps gather the necessary information to prepare for the patient's visit.
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A prompt initial consultation: The patient’s case is reviewed by various specialists, including those in oncology, surgery, and radiology.
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Coordinated exams: The necessary exams are organized based on needs and the resources already available.
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A quick assessment: The patient receives an initial summary, and then their case is approved during a multidisciplinary consultation meeting.
The care pathway may include, among other things:
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a multidisciplinary consultation;
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a CT scan or MRI;
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an endoscopic ultrasound, with a biopsy if necessary;
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an image-guided percutaneous biopsy;
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a multidisciplinary team meeting;
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consultations for supportive care, particularly in nutrition, pain management, psychology, or geriatrics.
These tests and consultations are not routine. They are recommended based on the tests already performed, the location of the abnormality, the patient’s overall condition, and the purpose of the evaluation. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is based on a combination of clinical, laboratory, and radiological tests and, when necessary, on the analysis of a tissue sample[1,2].
Who is InstaDiag Pancreas intended for?
InstaDiag Pancreas is intended for patients with a suspected pancreatic abnormality or a recent diagnosis requiring prompt specialized evaluation. The request can be made directly by the patient or through a primary care physician, radiologist, gastroenterologist, or other specialist.
After the diagnosis: What’s the next step?
Following the evaluation, the patient’s case may be supplemented with additional tests or discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting to determine an appropriate treatment strategy. Depending on the situation, treatment may include a combination of surgery, medical therapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials, or supportive care—particularly to address nutrition, pain, fatigue, or psychological difficulties.
Useful documents include consultation reports, imaging results, corresponding images, laboratory test results, current treatments, and, when available, biopsy results or pathology reports. These documents help prepare for the consultation and anticipate any necessary tests.
The process is designed to minimize wait times. An initial consultation may be scheduled shortly after the patient’s file is compiled. Some tests can be performed the same day, while others—particularly invasive procedures—may need to be scheduled for the following days.
The care pathway may involve various healthcare professionals: medical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists, nurses, and supportive care professionals. This approach makes it possible to assess the disease, potential treatments, and related needs.
Schedule an appointment for InstaDiag Pancreas
The InstaDiag Pancreas pathway is intended for patients with a suspected pancreatic abnormality or a recent diagnosis requiring prompt specialist evaluation. If your situation meets the criteria for this pathway, you may submit a request for an appointment along with your available medical records so that our teams can evaluate your request and arrange the necessary tests.
Bibliography
[1] National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer: How Is It Diagnosed?
[2] National Cancer Institute. Pancreatic Cancer: From Diagnosis to Follow-Up. June 2020.
[3] National Cancer Institute. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Gastrointestinal Cancers.