Unique Dye-Based Tests to Revolutionize Early-Detection Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Mar 2023

Image: New diagnostic tests could accurately detect and pre-empt risks of debilitating diseases (Photo courtesy of Amplified Sciences)

Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer, with 74 out of every 100 patients succumbing to it within a year of diagnosis as it is often detected too late to be treated effectively. Now, that could change with the development of new tests that use dyes to detect the possibility of malignancy in fluid extracted from pancreatic cysts. When appropriately evaluated, these cysts can provide a means of detecting pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage.

Amplified Sciences Inc. (West Lafayette, IN, USA) is currently developing a range of diagnostic tests for early cancer detection, specifically designed to identify the likelihood of cancer development. Not only can these tests confirm the absence of malignancy in patients with cysts, but they could also reduce the number of inaccurate diagnoses and alleviate patient concerns. The company has successfully conducted clinical trials on its pancreatic cancer test which is now poised for translation to a clinical lab and to enter the regulatory process.

While the future for these early cancer detection tests appears promising, there are also practical challenges that must be addressed. In addition to laboratory-related obstacles, the successful regulatory approval of these tests could necessitate the training of more gastroenterologists to collect fluid from pancreatic cysts, a procedure that is not usually included in standard medical school training for all gastroenterologists.

“Earlier detection, followed by surgical removal, has a much better prognosis,” said Diana Caldwell, Amplified Sciences’ chief executive officer. “We also hope that, with early detection, scientists can identify interventions that can impact early stage pancreatic cancer. That’s a principle of cancer treatment – the earlier you get it, the more likely pharmaceuticals and other therapies are able to resolve it.”

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Amplified Sciences Inc.