New Blood Test Could Catch Pancreatic Cancer at Its Earliest Stages, Helping Fight the "Silent Killer"
Learn about a new blood test that could allow physicians to detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages by combining multiple biomarkers.
Pancreatic cancer, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a devastating disease that claims thousands of lives annually. One reason for its lethality is that symptoms typically do not appear until the cancer has advanced, leading to a low survival rate of just 14 percent within five years of diagnosis. However, a new blood test called PANXEON may provide hope for early detection and improved treatment outcomes.
PANXEON, described in a recent study published in Nature Medicine, accurately detected stage 1 and 2 pancreatic cancer in 87 percent of patients. This early detection is crucial, as it allows for more treatment options while the cancer is still treatable. The test combines three biomarkers – circulating microRNAs, exosomal microRNAs, and the protein CA19-9 – into a single score to estimate cancer risk. The test demonstrated a low false-positive rate, making it a promising tool for high-risk patients.
Pancreatic cancer begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas, which can be difficult to detect during routine medical exams due to its location and the presence of surrounding organs. Symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss, abdominal or back pain, and greasy stools often do not manifest until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat effectively.
Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include tobacco use, older age, excess weight, family history, and a strong link with diabetes. Pancreatic cancer is more likely to occur in people with long-standing diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection for those at risk. PANXEON could be particularly beneficial for high-risk patients, helping to catch the disease early without the need for invasive and expensive detection methods.
By identifying high-grade dysplasia, a precancerous condition often seen as "stage 0" pancreatic cancer, PANXEON can assist physicians in monitoring pancreatic cysts and determining which ones may require intervention. The earlier pancreatic cancer is detected, the greater the chance that meaningful intervention can still be possible, according to Ajay Goel, senior author of the study and chair of the Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics at City of Hope.
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