FRAP also relies on several associated entities that are critical for achieving its mission, including national biobanks, cooperative oncology groups, organoid platforms, and clinical teams focused on patient care and quality of life.
Biological and Clinical Database for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Coordinator: Pr Barbara Bournet (University Hospital Center of Toulouse)
Overview: BACAP is a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), collecting extensive clinical information and biological samples. The aim is to provide high-quality materials for research, including identification of new prognostic biomarkers.
Key Activities: Collection of DNA, RNA, blood, plasma, serum, and tissue samples from 15 hospitals in France; prospective recording of clinical, epidemiological, imaging, and treatment data throughout patient follow-up.
Impact: BACAP has supported over twenty research projects, enabling translational studies on PDAC biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Clinical Research and Innovation Directorate (Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon)
Lead: Dr Ameli Anota
Overview: The DRCI is certified ISO 9001 and specializes in the design and management of clinical trials, including quality-of-life assessments.
Key Activities: Clinical operations, data management, biostatistics, and methodological support for trials such as APACaP and GEMPAX.
Impact: Strong experience in multicenter trials and phase III studies, providing high-quality statistical and operational support for pancreatic cancer research.
Overview: Integrates clinical, translational, and fundamental research on PDAC, focusing on precision medicine and metastatic disease.
Key Activities: NGS and RNAseq analyses, organoid-based drug testing, clinical trials (phase I), biobank of tumor samples, and prospective cohorts for young-onset PDAC.
Impact: Supports personalized treatment approaches and fundamental research using patient-derived samples.
FFCD
French Federation of Digestive Cancer
Overview: Non-profit organization coordinating digestive oncology research across France.
Key Activities: Clinical trial coordination, translational research, training, and data/biological resource management (datacenter in Dijon, biobank in Paris).
Impact: Over 150 clinical trials conducted, with centralized sample collection enabling translational research in pancreatic cancer.
Federation of French Comprehensive Cancer Centers (FCCC)
Overview: Network of 20 private, non-profit cancer centers specializing in clinical, translational, and health data research.
Key Activities: Clinical trials, biobank management, access to advanced technical platforms, and coordination of expert groups such as UCGI.
Impact: Provides patients access to innovative treatments and supports high-quality clinical research, including pivotal pancreatic cancer trials (e.g., PRODIGE studies).
