Shining a(i) light on pancreatic cancer

13 Nov 2024

Written by Emma Hall (Contributing Editor)

Biomarkers Data processing and interpretation Diagnostics Imaging News

Innovations in AI, imaging and biomarker research offer rays of hope for early pancreatic cancer detection.

In a recent paper published in Cancer Screening and Prevention, researchers from Peking Union Medical College (Beijing, China) reviewed promising developments in the early detection and screening of pancreatic cancer. As a disease that is incredibly difficult to diagnose in its early stages, a combination of advancements in AI, imaging and biomarker discovery could play a crucial role in detecting malignant tissue at more treatable stages, potentially transforming disease management and prognosis.

Pancreatic cancer begins in the cells of the pancreas; an organ that plays a crucial role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US in 2024, rapid progression and subtle symptoms contribute to its high mortality, with approximately 500,000 annual deaths worldwide.

One of the primary reasons for pancreatic cancer’s poor outlook is late diagnosis, which often means the cancer has already become metastatic. As a result, early diagnosis is the most important contributing factor to improving outcomes and reducing mortality. Unfortunately, current imaging tests are insufficient for detecting early-stage pancreatic tumors and reliable biomarkers are lacking, prompting an urgent need for improved diagnostic strategies.

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Seeking to address these knowledge gaps, researchers highlighted and collated recent advancements in imaging technology and biomarker research, both of which play crucial roles in detecting the disease at earlier, more treatable stages.

Beginning with developments in imaging techniques, the team noted that recent studies using high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging have improved sensitivity in identifying pancreatic lesions. A recently developed nanoplatform that utilizes peptide-functionalized polymeric magnetic nanoparticles also enabled sensitive imaging through differential binding between healthy and cancerous pancreatic tissue, while AI-assisted endoscopic ultrasounds were found to offer high accuracy, helping differentiate benign from malignant lesions.

Moving onto rapidly advancing biomarker research, the team unpicked several promising candidates for non-invasive diagnosis including; circulating tumor DNA, exosomes and tumor RNA. Additionally, liquid biopsies, which detect tumor-related molecules in blood, are gaining traction and could transform screening by enabling earlier detection and more accurate monitoring.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including accessibility issues and a shortage of trained personnel to interpret complex imaging. The study also underscores the importance of targeting high-risk groups, such as those with genetic mutations or a family history of pancreatic cancer, for more practical and effective screening.

As imaging and biomarker technology continues to evolve, combined with AI-driven diagnostics, the researchers are hopeful that early detection can improve survival rates and reduce the socioeconomic burden of pancreatic cancer worldwide. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to bringing these life-saving innovations into routine clinical practice.