Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is often discovered too late for lifesaving treatment. Researchers led by Ajay Goel, PhD, at City of Hope recently reported that a panel of 13 biomarkers—tiny molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs)—can detect pancreatic cancer with up to 97% accuracy. Dr. Goel shared at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium that the new test detected early-stage pancreatic cancer with about 91% accuracy. When paired with the existing CA 19-9 blood test, the combined method came close to perfect accuracy—even in the earliest stages of the disease.
Why this matters
- Most pancreatic cancers are found late, when treatment is difficult.
- Research shows it may take 15–20 years for early pancreatic changes to turn into full-blown cancer. This means there is a large “hidden window” to catch the disease earlier—if the right test is available.
- Typical protein- or DNA-based blood tests have struggled to be accurate in pancreatic cancer, especially in early disease.
How the test works
- The test measures cell-free miRNAs in the blood, which are very sensitive but not always specific.
- It also measures exosomal miRNAs, tiny particles that carry molecular “ZIP codes,” helping pinpoint cancer signals.
- By combining both types, the team developed a highly accurate diagnostic tool.
Early results are promising
In a large study involving more than 1,200 patients and controls (the PANXEON trial), the test correctly identified pancreatic cancer at all stages, including the earliest and most treatable ones. The test also appears useful in monitoring patients after surgery, helping doctors know if disease is returning.
Looking ahead
This new approach has the potential to change how pancreatic cancer is detected and treated. If validated in larger clinical trials, a simple blood test could one day make early pancreatic cancer screening a reality, giving patients a drastically better chance at survival.
References
- Goel A. Noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Presented at: Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium; January 23-25, 2025; San Francisco, CA. Presentation 3.
- Nakamura K, Zhu Z, Roy S, et al. An exosome-based transcriptomic signature for noninvasive, early detection of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter cohort study. Gastroenterology. 2022;163(5):1252-1266.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2022.06.090
