We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer Early Enough for Surgical Treatment

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Mar 2017
A team of pancreatic cancer researchers has found that by combining measurement of two blood biomarker proteins with determination of the current gold standard biomarker, CA 19-9, it was possible to detect pancreatic cancer at an early enough stage to save patients with surgery.

At early stages, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can be successfully removed with surgery, but about 80% of patients are diagnosed with either locally advanced disease (stage III) or metastatic disease (stage IV), when surgery is no longer a curative option. More...
Therefore, blood-based biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer are urgently needed. Current biomarkers lack high sensitivity and specificity for population screening, and the gold-standard biomarker, CA 19‐9, also fails to demonstrate the predictive value necessary for early detection.

In previous work, investigators at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a cluster of genes involved in cancer migration and then analyzed the proteins produced by those genes. Two of these proteins, plasma tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and tenascin C (TNC-FN III-C), emerged as the strongest biomarker candidates.

In the current study, the investigators established that the TFPI/TNC-FN III-C migration signature added significantly to the predictive power of CA 19‐9 to detect PDAC at an early-stage when it is still surgically treatable.

“Adding these two biomarkers provided statistically significant improvement for all early stage cancer versus healthy controls as well as other subcohorts when used with the current gold standard biomarker, CA 19-9,” said senior author Dr. Ann Killary, professor of translational molecular pathology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Our goal is to identify more patients at those earlier, resectable stages, when treatment could lead to a five year survival rate of 30% or more, depending on stage. Only about 7% of patients survive for five years following diagnosis of the disease. In this population, our biomarker panel might prove very useful in early detection.”

The study was published in the February 27, 2017, online edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.


Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
NATtrol Chlamydia trachomatis Positive Control
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








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.