Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a new blood test that shows remarkable accuracy in detecting pancreatic cancer. In clinical tests, the PAC-MANN assay demonstrated up to 85% accuracy in identifying early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer has an alarmingly low five-year survival rate of just 13% because it is often diagnosed too late, once it has already spread. The disease rarely shows clear symptoms in its early stages, making routine screening a major challenge. The new blood test focuses on detecting proteases, specific proteins found at elevated levels in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer. PAC-MANN is designed to fluoresce in response to these proteins, allowing for quick and reliable detection.
During a study involving 350 patients, the test successfully identified 73% of PDAC cases across all stages and ruled out 98% of patients who did not have cancer. It was also able to distinguish 100% of patients with non-cancerous pancreatic conditions. When combined with CA 19-9, the current best biomarker for pancreatic cancer, its accuracy improved even further, achieving 85% sensitivity for stage 1 PDAC and 96% accuracy in ruling out healthy individuals.
Unlike invasive procedures like endoscopic ultrasounds or other liquid biopsy tests that require large blood samples, PAC-MANN is a fast, cost-effective, and minimally invasive alternative. It requires only 8 microliters of blood, delivers results within 45 minutes, and costs less than a penny per sample. These advantages make it a promising tool for screening high-risk individuals, including those with a family history of pancreatic cancer or genetic predispositions. The test’s affordability and simplicity could also make early detection more accessible in rural and underserved areas, where traditional diagnostic tools are often unavailable.
The development of PAC-MANN is part of a growing effort to improve early cancer diagnostics. Other emerging methods, such as urine-based biomarkers and changes in the oral microbiome, are also being explored to enhance pancreatic cancer screening. This breakthrough blood test represents a significant step forward in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes for thousands of patients.
The study was published in Science Translational Medicine.
Source: OHSU