Pancreatic cancer is particularly formidable and dreaded by its evolution: when detected, due to symptoms, it is often already at an advanced stage, and may even have spread to other organs. Also the early detection of this cancer, and the evaluation of the risk, are particularly important themes to reduce its incidence.
In a new study, published on March 17, 2023 in the journal Science Advances (Source 1), researchers report having identified a set of biological markers, or biomarkers, that might help measure the risk of lesions turning into cancer or remain benign.
« Even when pancreatic cancer is detected at its earliest stage, it has almost always spread cells throughout the body and the cancer comes back. lamented the study’s lead author, Dr. Peter Allen, head of the division of surgical oncology at Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, USA), in a statement. “ That’s why we focused on these precancerous cysts, known as papillary mucinous intraductal lesions of the pancreas “, specified the specialist. The latter added that most of these lesions “ will never progress to pancreatic cancer, but distinguishing those who will progress, [cela crée] an opportunity to prevent the development of an incurable disease ».
Help deciding whether or not to have surgery
The research team here used a molecular biology tool called digital spatial RNA profiling, to target specific areas of pancreatic cysts. She was thus able to identify a multitude of genetic mutations that fuel or, conversely, inhibit the development of pancreatic cancer.
« We found very distinct markers for high-grade cellular abnormalities, as well as slow-growing subtypes.”, commented Dr. Allen. “ Our job now is to find the same in cystic fluid. If we can identify these unique markers in cystic fluid, it might provide the basis for a biopsy that would indicate if we should remove the cyst before cancer grows and spreads “, he added.
Note that the study has its limits, in particular because it was conducted on a single major type of pancreatic cyst, intraductal papillary and mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPTMP). According to French Society of Gastroenterologyif these tumors are those most frequently diagnosed, their risk of becoming malignant (cancerous) is very low, since it is “ estimated at less than 2% on all people potentially with IPTN ».
