Private Blog Network – A newly developed blood test has the potential to diagnose pancreatic cancer at much earlier stages, significantly improving survival rates. Early detection is critical because pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. PDAC accounts for over 80% of cases and remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide.
Despite being less common than lung, breast, or colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The disease has a grim prognosis, with only 13% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. In the United States alone, nearly 40,000 deaths occur annually due to pancreatic cancer.
A major challenge in treating pancreatic cancer is that it spreads rapidly. By the time most patients receive a diagnosis, the tumor has already metastasized beyond the pancreas, making treatment options limited. Detecting the disease earlier through a simple blood test could revolutionize patient outcomes, offering new hope for improved survival.
New Liquid Biopsy Test PAC-MANN Shows Promise for Early Pancreatic Cancer Detection
Advancements in biotechnology have led to the rise of liquid biopsy tests, which analyze easily obtainable bodily fluids like blood or urine to detect diseases early. These tests have gained popularity in research, particularly for diagnosing tumors and monitoring treatment responses. While some liquid biopsies identify genetic fragments shed by tumors into the bloodstream, others measure protein levels, enzymes, or metabolites associated with cancer.
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PAC-MANN Blood Test Achieves 98% Accuracy
A groundbreaking blood test known as PAC-MANN has demonstrated exceptional accuracy in detecting pancreatic cancer. Published in Science Translational Medicine, the study evaluated over 350 blood samples from both patients and healthy individuals. The results showed that PAC-MANN successfully differentiated pancreatic cancer from non-cancerous conditions with 98% accuracy.
Unlike traditional detection methods, which often diagnose pancreatic cancer at a late stage, PAC-MANN identifies enzyme activity linked to tumors much earlier. Lead researcher Dr. Jared Fischer from Oregon Health & Science University emphasized the test’s potential to improve survival rates by enabling early intervention and expanding treatment options.
Shows High Accuracy in Early Cancer Detection
Researchers have enhanced detection by combining the PAC-MANN blood test with the existing CA 19-9 diagnostic test. This combination successfully identified early-stage pancreatic cancer in 85% of cases, outperforming CA 19-9 alone. Additionally, PAC-MANN showed potential for monitoring treatment responses, as lower enzyme activity signals were observed in patients responding well to therapy.
Faster, Affordable, and Minimally Invasive Testing
Beyond detection, PAC-MANN offers real-time monitoring to assess how well treatments are working, potentially guiding therapy decisions. “This test isn’t just about detection—it could help us measure treatment effectiveness and improve outcomes,” said Dr. Jared Fischer of Oregon Health & Science University.
PAC-MANN provides results within 45 minutes, requires only a small pinprick of blood, and is cost-effective. Researchers plan further trials at Oregon Health & Science University to validate its effectiveness for high-risk patients and refine its diagnostic capabilities.