New Blood Test for Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers led by Dr. Kenneth Zaret at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new blood test that can detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with nearly 88% accuracy. The test combines four protein biomarkers: CA19-9, THBS2, aminopeptidase N (ANPEP), and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR). This development is significant because pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment, and there is currently no routine screening test for early stages. The study, published in Clinical Cancer Research, analyzed blood samples from 672 people, including patients with pancreatic cancer, healthy volunteers, and individuals with noncancerous pancreatic conditions. If confirmed in larger studies, this test could be used to screen high-risk patients, potentially saving lives through earlier intervention.