New blood test detects pancreatic cancer in minutes

A team of researchers from the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), the Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), and the Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRIB) has created a groundbreaking test that can detect pancreatic cancer using a simple blood sample.

The prototype test, detailed in the journal Talanta, has shown promising results in initial trials with 20 patients and 20 healthy individuals at the Hospital del Mar. It utilizes technology similar to rapid diagnostic tests, employing reactive strips to analyze blood plasma within minutes. The test specifically identifies the sAXL protein, a key biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most frequent and deadly type of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is a significant health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related death in developed countries. A major obstacle in combating the disease is its late detection; over 85% of diagnoses occur when the cancer is inoperable, meaning the only potentially curative treatment is no longer an option.

This new diagnostic tool has been optimized to enhance its sensitivity, reproducibility, and clarity of signal, enabling it to accurately distinguish between patients with pancreatic cancer and healthy individuals. The development represents a crucial step forward in the fight against pancreatic cancer, offering the potential for earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.