Published October 13, 2023
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating form of cancer with limited treatment options. Due to delayed symptom manifestation and the absence of specific diagnostic markers, PDAC is often diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in poor patient outcomes. However, a groundbreaking study recently published in Gastroenterology highlights the development a microRNA (miRNA)-based biomarker panel that promises to revolutionize the early detection of PDAC.
Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center surgical oncologist, Dr. John Bolton, was a contributing author on this comprehensive analysis aimed to address the challenges of delayed symptom manifestation and the lack of specific diagnostic markers for PDAC.
In this study, the research team identified a panel of 10 miRNA candidates during the discovery phase. Through meticulous refinement, they narrowed down the panel to 5 miRNAs in the liquid biopsy-based assay. Remarkably, this panel demonstrated robust capabilities in identifying PDAC patients and distinguishing between early-stage (stage I/II) and late-stage (stage III/IV) disease.
The diagnostic potential of the miRNA-panel for early-stage PDAC detection was outstanding. A real breakthrough came when the circRNA panel was combined with the plasma levels of CA19-9, a commonly used pancreatic cancer marker. This combination significantly improved the diagnostic performance and also efficiently identified PDAC patients who were previously considered clinically CA19-9-negative.
“This miRNA-based biomarker panel represents a potential breakthrough in the noninvasive and early detection of pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Bolton. "By combining the power of miRNAs and CA19-9, this study has developed a robust diagnostic tool that may be able to identify patients with early-stage PDAC, enabling timely intervention and potentially improving survival rates. The promising impact of this breakthrough cannot be overstated, as early detection is crucial for improving patient outcomes."
The researchers are now focused on further validating and refining this miRNA-based biomarker panel. They hope to collaborate with medical institutions and industry partners to expedite the translation of this innovative diagnostic tool into clinical practice. With the potential to transform the landscape of PDAC diagnosis, this breakthrough brings hope to countless patients and their families.
