Currently, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer sits at around 12%. Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer could improve outcomes and lengthen the survival rate. However, this cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose in early stages. Because of this, pancreatic cancer is one of the lead causes of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.
But what if a blood test could change the way we diagnose pancreatic cancer? According to a news release in Biospace, this is just what biotechnology company Metabolomycs is looking to do. Metabolomycs recently explored whether something as seemingly simple as a blood test could aid in early diagnosis.
In research published in Metabolites, the Metabolomycs team:
applied next-generation metabolomics, using quantitative tandem mass spectrometry on plasma to develop biochemical signatures that identify [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma].
D’amore et. al, https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/3/148
To begin, the team compared 169 plasma samples from healthy controls to plasma samples from 10 people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of pancreatic cancer. Next, the team applied machine learning principles and metabolomic algorithms to determine what separated pancreatic cancer samples from the samples from healthy controls.
This led the team to identify metabolic signatures that could be used to determine if someone has pancreatic cancer. Further, the team shares, these metabolic signatures could also potentially determine both disease severity and potential survival rates. As such, the Metabolomycs team believes that metabolomics, and the further development of these metabolic tests, could be used in the future to identify pancreatic cancer in early stages.
What To Know: Pancreatic Cancer
Your pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that sits just behind your stomach. This organ plays an essential role in digestion by releasing enzymes, as well as blood sugar management through releasing hormones. As you might expect, pancreatic cancer refers to cancer that forms in the pancreas. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (also known as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) is the most common form and develops in cells lining the pancreatic ducts. A more rare form of pancreatic cancer is a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, which forms in hormone-producing cells. If you are obese, smoke, or have a family history of pancreatic cancer, you might have a higher risk of developing it. People with pancreatic cancer may experience symptoms such as unintended weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain that radiates to the back, newly onset or worsening diabetes, appetite loss, fatigue, dark urine, and blood clots.
Managing pancreatic cancer can be stressful and scary for both patients and caregivers. If you are grappling with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, consider reaching out for help. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network offers a series of support groups that you may find helpful.
mass spectrometry medical research oncology pancreatic cancer research
Last modified: March 11, 2024
