According to the researchers, stool tests could help doctors detect pancreatic cancer early.
The results of a study on 136 volunteers were published in the medical journal Gut.
Accordingly, it is possible that the changes observed in the bacteria in the intestines indicate tumor formation.
Pancreatic cancer usually does not show symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, when detected, it is more advanced and difficult to treat.
As the cancer progresses, you may experience indigestion, changes in bowel movements, and abdominal or back pain.
However, since these do not directly point to the pancreas, the diagnosis may be delayed.
Currently, no more than one in 20 people diagnosed with ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of pancreatic cancer, lives for more than five years.
Early detection can save more people.
The Spanish team that conducted the research worked with patients who volunteered from two hospitals in the cities of Madrid and Barcelona.
Only a fraction of the patients had ductal adenocarcinoma, the others were selected for comparison.
Researchers took saliva and stool samples from volunteers to determine if there were any differences.
Different gene profile
No results were obtained from saliva samples. However, differences were observed in the stools, which may aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Gut bacteria, fungi, and other microbes had a distinct gene profile, and all patients with cancer had this profile, regardless of disease stage.
Stating that this characteristic microbiome profile emerges early, the researchers are of the opinion that the disease can therefore be detected early, but they recommend further research.
There is already some research on this subject.
Independent researchers in Germany confirmed the findings of the study in a small number of patients.
Similar trials are underway in Japan.