Advances in pancreatic cancer detection and treatment
Pancreatic cancer is known for being a difficult cancer to detect and treat. It is the seventh leading cause of global cancer deaths in industrialized countries and the third most common in the USA, despite accounting for only about 3% of diagnosed cancers.
The cause of pancreatic cancer is not clear and research is ongoing. Some factors such as smoking, diabetes, obesity, and some genetic mutations have been shown to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Why is pancreatic cancer difficult to detect?
As with other types of cancer, early detection improves the chances of successful treatment. Surgical removal of pancreatic tumours offers the best chance for a cure.
However, currently the majority of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage when surgery may not be an option.
Detecting tumours can be challenging as the pancreas sits deep in the abdomen and is hidden behind other organs. Pancreatic cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages. Even the symptoms which do occur can be caused by many other medical conditions, so may not raise suspicion of pancreatic cancer.
However, there is cause for hope. Research is enabling earlier detection and advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, with the potential to improve survival rates.
How is the detection of pancreatic cancer improving?
Early detection is the most important factor for improving outcomes in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, unlike other cancers, such as breast or colon cancer, there is currently no one simple screening test for pancreatic cancer.
A combination of often complex diagnostic tests are usually required to make a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. As this type of cancer is relatively rare, screening is currently recommended only for those deemed to be at a high risk for pancreatic cancer.
This includes individuals who have at least one close family member with pancreatic cancer, or are diagnosed with diabetes for the first time over 50 years old – as this can sometimes be an early, overlooked sign of the disease.
Imaging scans
Imaging tests, such MRI, CT scan or endoscopic ultrasound, which can be used to detect pancreatic tumours, are becoming more accurate as technology advances.
Artificial intelligence can be used to detect early changes on scan images which cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Biomarker blood tests
Researchers are working on improving blood tests that can pick up biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. These are already used for screening high risk individuals, but as this technology improves, it is hoped that this kind of blood tests may be used more widely to detect early stage pancreatic cancer and identify individuals at high risk for the disease.
Genetic Testing
Multiple inherited genes and some genetic syndromes have been identified that can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. New guidelines recommend that patients with pancreatic cancer undergo genetic testing and inform family members if they are found to have these genes.
Identification of precancerous growths
Researchers are discovering more about which types of cysts and growths in the pancreas have the potential to develop into cancer. This enables these growths to be detected, monitored and removed when necessary.
How is the treatment of pancreatic cancer improving?
Treatment options depend on the type, location and stage of the cancer. In general, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Treatments for pancreatic cancer are becoming safer and more precise. Studies have found that survival rates are improving for cancers found early (stage I). Clinical trials are being conducted to find more effective ways to treat pancreatic cancer.
