Novel liquid biopsy could enable earlier detection of pancreatic cancer

A liquid biopsy developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania (PA, USA) has demonstrated improved efficacy over existing biomarker screens in the detection of pancreatic cancer. Published this week in Clinical Cancer Research, it is hoped the pancreatic cancer liquid biopsy test will enable earlier detection, allowing patients faster access to potentially curative treatment options. The test detects pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is the most common form of pancreatic cancer accounting for approximately 90% of cases. The prognosis of PDAC is poor, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 9%, and the majority of...