Novel blood test accurately detects elusive pancreatic cancer with 85% precision.

Advancements in Early Diagnosis

A promising breakthrough in the detection of pancreatic cancer has emerged from researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) with a novel blood test called PAC-MANN, short for “protease activity-based assay using a magnetic nanosensor.” This innovative test allows for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent and lethal form of pancreatic cancer, at earlier stages, potentially improving survival rates for patients.

Pancreatic cancer often progresses silently and is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment options. Current diagnostic tools, such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), have proven useful for monitoring prognosis, but they lack the sensitivity required for early detection. The PAC-MANN test addresses this critical gap by identifying cancer-related activity in blood samples, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

The Role of Researchers

Dr. Jared Fischer, a scientist at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), emphasized the urgent need for early detection tools. “The problem with pancreatic cancer is that we often catch it too late,” he stated. The research surrounding PAC-MANN is a collaborative effort, with Dr. Jose L. Montoya Mira leading the study, focusing on developing a cost-effective and high-throughput test suitable for various clinical settings. This multidisciplinary approach combines engineering and biological expertise to create an easily deployable screening tool.

Testing Methodology

To develop the PAC-MANN test, researchers analyzed blood samples from 350 individuals at OHSU’s Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care and CEDAR. Participants included those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, individuals considered at high risk, and healthy controls. The focus of the research was on proteases—enzymes whose activity levels increase significantly in individuals with PDAC. By measuring changes in protease activity, the research team created a test that can effectively identify pancreatic cancer cases.

Results were promising, indicating that PAC-MANN distinguished patients with pancreatic cancer from those without a 98% accuracy rate. Additionally, when combined with the CA 19-9 test, PAC-MANN showed an impressive 85% accuracy for early-stage detection of the disease. The test may also have therapeutic implications, offering a means to monitor treatment effectiveness by tracking protease activity changes over time.

Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness

One of the standout features of the PAC-MANN test is its quick, non-invasive nature. The test requires only 8 microliters of blood and can produce results within 45 minutes at a minimal cost—approximately less than a penny per sample. This efficiency makes PAC-MANN an excellent option for rural or underserved communities, where conventional tests may not be available or practical.

Dr. Montoya highlighted, “This could easily be used in rural and underserved settings, where traditional tests are not or cannot be used,” showcasing the potential broad application of the PAC-MANN test in various healthcare environments.

Future Directions and Clinical Trials

Looking ahead, the PAC-MANN research team plans to initiate further clinical trials, particularly targeting patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer. Collaboration with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and CEDAR aims to validate the test’s utility in diverse populations and settings.

If successful in these upcoming trials, PAC-MANN could serve as a transformative tool in the early diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer, ultimately enhancing treatment options and survivorship. As Dr. Fischer optimistically remarked, “Hopefully, this is one step toward ending cancer as we know it.”

By providing a robust, accessible, and cost-effective method for early detection, the PAC-MANN test represents a significant advancement in the fight against one of the deadliest cancers, potentially changing the landscape of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Oregon Health & Science University. “New blood test identifies hard-to-detect pancreatic cancer with 85% accuracy. ” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 12 February 2025. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212151141.htm>.