New blood test developed for early pancreatic cancer detection

An international research team led by the City of Hope medical organization has developed a new blood-based test capable of identifying pancreatic cancer in its early, more treatable stages. Findings of the study were recently published in the journal Nature Medicine, highlighting the potential of this liquid biopsy method, known as PANXEON, to improve patient outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer is historically difficult to treat because it is often diagnosed only after the malignancy has spread. Current data shows that only 14% of patients survive five years post-diagnosis, with approximately 90% of cases detected at an advanced stage. The new diagnostic approach addresses this by analyzing blood samples for three specific indicators: circulating microRNA, exosomal microRNA, and a specific protein.

By enabling earlier detection of both cancer and pre-cancerous lesions, the test aims to shift the current paradigm of late-stage diagnosis. This innovation represents a significant advancement in oncology, as early intervention is considered critical for increasing the currently low survival rates associated with this disease.