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Scientists at Duke University announce that they have identified biomarkers linked to pancreatic cancer, which would make it possible to determine whether cysts present in the pancreas are likely to become cancerous. A real hope for a cancer often detected too late.
Cancers are pathologies that must be treated as quickly as possible, to give the patient the best chance of survival. In the case of pancreatic cancer, this can be difficult because the disease is generally devoid of symptoms for a long time and is often only diagnosed at a late stage, no longer allowing a cure.
To try to detect this type of cancer earlier, American scientists are working on a new track. These are biomarkers that make it possible to follow the evolution of a disease, and which therefore make it possible to know whether a cyst is at risk of becoming cancerous or not.
The path to screening using biomarkers
In this study, the work team used a sophisticated molecular biology tool called “digital RNA spatial profiling.” This makes it possible to target specific areas of a cyst – individual groups of cells, in fact – with areas of abnormal cell growth.
Thus, scientists have been able to observe a multitude of genetic mutations that potentially fuel or suppress the development of pancreatic cancer. “Even when pancreatic cancer is detected at its earliest stage, it has almost always spread cells throughout the body and the cancer comes back.explains lead author Dr. Peter Allen, chief of the division of surgical oncology in the department of surgery at Duke University School of Medicine.
“This is why we focused on these precancerous cysts, known as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). Most IPMNs will never progress to pancreatic cancer, but by distinguishing those that do, we create an opportunity to prevent the development of an incurable disease.IPMNs are also called intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas (IPMPT).
Further development is needed
The team also identified markers to distinguish between the two major variants of IPMN and found distinct markers to define a common third variant that typically results in less aggressive disease.
“We found very distinct markers for high-grade cellular abnormalities, as well as slow-growing subtypes.” also indicated Dr. Allen. “Our work now focuses on finding it in the cyst fluid. If we can identify these unique markers in the cyst fluid, it could provide the basis for a protein biopsy that would indicate whether we need to remove the cyst before the cancer grows and spreads.“.
The cacer of the pancreas in strong progression
If their technique is successful, it could solve the biggest hurdle to reducing the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A cancer whose incidence is unfortunately on the rise. “Pancreatic cancer is on the rise, and if the current situation continues, it will become the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States within the next few years.” concludes Peter Allen.