Blood test may detect pancreatic cancer earlier, study finds

A retrospective study found that a blood test combining four markers (CA19-9, THBS2, ANPEP and PIGR) identified pancreatic cancer about 92% of the time; researchers say further testing in larger, prediagnostic populations is needed before any screening use.

Scientists report a blood test that may detect pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early and has low five-year survival rates. Researchers analysed stored blood samples and identified two proteins, ANPEP and PIGR, that were higher in people with early pancreatic cancer. They combined these with two existing markers, CA19-9 and THBS2, for a single test. Key findings: - In the retrospective study, the combined four-marker test identified pancreatic cancer about 92% of the time. - The test produced a false positive rate of about 5% among people without cancer and detected nearly 8% of early-stage cases as reported in the study. - The study is retrospective; the lead investigator said the findings warrant further testing in larger and prediagnostic populations and that validation and approval could take years. Summary: The reported test improved detection when four markers were used together and may help inform future screening for people at higher risk. Researchers emphasised that additional studies in larger and asymptomatic groups are needed to determine whether the test could be used routinely. Timelines for wider clinical use remain undetermined at this time.