Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Groundbreaking Blood Test Detects Earliest Signs of Pancreatic Cancer Before Symptoms Appear

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Dec 2024

Pancreatic cancer often remains undetected until it has progressed beyond the pancreas, typically because it presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. More...

Consequently, pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates, with survival rates largely unchanged despite advancements in the treatment of other cancers. Early detection is vital for this type of cancer, as most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options. While new treatment options for pancreatic cancer have emerged, their success still relies heavily on the ability to detect the disease early. Now, a groundbreaking blood test can identify pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms develop. This test works by detecting tumor-derived cell-free DNA that cancer cells release into the bloodstream. These DNA fragments carry distinct signatures unique to pancreatic cancer, allowing for their identification even in very low concentrations.

The BT-Reveal early pancreatic cancer test, developed by Breakthrough Genomics (Irvine, CA, USA), is the first blood-based test of its kind, offering at-risk individuals the ability to detect pancreatic cancer early without the high costs and side effects associated with MRIs and other diagnostic methods. Powered by patented DNA methylation technology, the test detects the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer in circulating cell-free DNA, often before symptoms manifest. DNA methylation involves the switching on and off of DNA molecules to regulate cellular functions. The test identifies abnormal DNA methylation patterns in the blood, which serve as early indicators of pancreatic cancer. On a molecular level, the test analyzes 59 specific DNA methylation regions (biomarkers) that have been strongly associated with pancreatic cancer.

BT-Reveal is a non-invasive, life-saving test that successfully detects 83% of pancreatic cancers, including those in the early Stage 1 and 2. This blood test offers a convenient biochemical alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, helping to screen for pancreatic cancer without the side effects or logistical challenges associated with imaging techniques. It provides an effective and less invasive way to identify pancreatic cancer, especially in clinical settings where quick and reliable detection is crucial. The test has received the FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation and is currently available for high-risk patients through Breakthrough Genomics.

Related Links:
Breakthrough Genomics


Gold Member
Quantitative POC Immunoassay Analyzer
EASY READER+
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
ESR Analyzer
TEST1 2.0
New
Autoimmune Liver Diseases Assay
Microblot-Array Liver Profile Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: PD-1 protein blockade is the standard treatment for advanced melanoma among the different types of immunotherapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Precision Tool Predicts Immunotherapy Treatment Failure in Melanoma Patients

Melanoma, though accounting for only about 4% of skin tumors, is the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its high potential to metastasize. While immunotherapy, especially PD-1 protein blockade, has revolutionized... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel method to analyze tumor growth rates (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Novel Method To Analyze Tumor Growth Rates Helps Tracks Progression Between Diagnosis and Surgery

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often worry about how quickly their tumors grow while they wait for surgery, and whether delays in treatment might allow the disease to spread beyond the point of cure.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.