Scientists in Oregon have developed a new test for pancreatic cancer which uses only a small sample … [+]
A breakthrough in the early detection of pancreatic cancer has been made with the development of a new blood test that could significantly improve survival rates for patients.
With pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, accounting for over 80% of all cases, its impact on mortality is significant. Despite being less common than other types of cancer such as lung, breast, and colorectal, pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a survival rate of only 13% for individuals surviving 5 years or more after diagnosis. The United States alone witnesses nearly 40,000 deaths attributed to pancreatic cancer on an annual basis.
The late-stage diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, often after it has metastasized beyond the pancreas to distant parts of the body, is a key factor contributing to its poor prognosis. Timely detection is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
The emergence of “liquid biopsy” tests, utilizing easily obtainable bodily fluids like blood or urine, has been a notable advancement in biotechnology. These tests play a vital role in early cancer detection and monitoring treatment response. While some liquid biopsies focus on genetic material fragments released by tumors into the bloodstream, others analyze levels of proteins, enzymes, or metabolites.
Published in Science Translational Medicine, the new blood-based test named “PAC-MANN” detects protease enzyme activity in the blood of pancreatic cancer patients. Testing on over 350 blood samples, the researchers validated the test’s ability to differentiate between blood samples from pancreatic cancer patients, healthy individuals, and those with non-cancerous pancreatic conditions with 98% accuracy.
Jared Fischer, Ph.D., left, and Jose Luis Montoya Mira, Ph.D., cancer researchers at OHSU, have … [+]
“Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which poses a significant challenge,” noted Jared Fischer, PhD, lead author and Assistant Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland. “Our aim with PAC-MANN is to enable early detection, providing more treatment options and enhancing survival rates,” Fischer explained in a press release.
Combining PAC-MANN with the existing pancreatic cancer diagnostic test CA 19-9 improved the early detection rate to 85%, surpassing the performance of CA 19-9 alone. The test also showed potential for monitoring treatment response in pancreatic cancer patients, indicating effectiveness of treatments through signal variations.
“Beyond detection, this test offers the ability to gauge treatment efficacy in real-time, aiding in better treatment decisions and improved outcomes,” Fischer emphasized. “Real-time tracking of treatment response can enhance patient care and overall results.”
The researchers assert that the test is cost-effective, delivers results in just 45 minutes, and necessitates only a small blood sample. A follow-up trial is planned at Oregon Health & Science University, targeting high-risk individuals to further refine and validate the test.
