Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 14 Aug 2024
New Antibody Detection Technique Offers Breakthrough in Early Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Th new research on pancreatic cancer focuses on the targeted detection of specific antibodies in blood samples
A groundbreaking technique has been established that could lead to a more accurate and reliable diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – one of the deadliest cancers primarily due to its late detection. According to the study, published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, this new approach focuses on the targeted detection of specific antibodies in blood samples.
Researchers say current markers used in screenings for early detection are often too ambiguous and lack sensitivity. The technology is predicated on the specific identification of antibodies present in blood samples.
The research
Scientists say they targeted autoantibodies that recognize the tumour-associated form of mucin-1 (TA-MUC1) - a glycoprotein found in glandular tissue and present at elevated levels in various tumors, including pancreatic cancer. The glycosylation pattern of TA-MUC1 in tumors differs from its normal form, making it a key indicator of the disease.
To detect these autoantibodies, the researchers also designed a series of synthetic glycopeptides that mimic segments of TA-MUC1 – making specific modifications to enhance the likelihood of identifying subgroups associated with pancreatic cancer. These synthetic antigens were immobilized on gold nanoparticles, creating probes suitable for a serological assay.
The team says some of the nanoparticle probes have demonstrated a clear ability to distinguish between samples from cancer patients and healthy individuals by detecting tumour-associated autoantibodies.
These specific autoantibodies have shown significantly better accuracy, with higher correct positive or false positive ratios compared to current clinical biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.
What is pancreatic cancer?
According to experts, pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas – a gland in your abdomen that makes hormones that control blood sugar levels and enzymes for digestion, mutate and multiply out of control, forming a tumour. Doctors say most pancreatic cancers start in the ducts of your pancreas.
While early-stage pancreatic tumours do not show up on imaging tests, many people do not receive a correct diagnosis until cancer has spread. Experts say pancreatic cancer is also resistant to many common cancer drugs, making it notoriously difficult to treat.
At present, much research is concentrated on early detection through genetic testing and new imaging methods.
Statistics say pancreatic cancer is responsible for approximately 3 per cent of all cancers in the United States. It is the 10th most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.
Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
Doctors say there are no signs of pancreatic cancer through which this life-threatening disease can be diagnosed. However, symptoms emerge once the tumour starts impacting other organs in your digestive system. A few symptoms include:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Light coloured stool
- Upper abdominal pain
- Middle back pain
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Gas or bloating
- Lack of appetite
- Blood clots
- Weight loss
- Onset of diabetes
What causes pancreatic cancer?
Doctors do not know what exactly causes pancreatic cancer, but there are a few risk factors, which include:
- Smoking
- Obesity and weight gain
- Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes
- Exposure to certain chemicals, like pesticides and petrochemicals
- Chronic pancreatitis, which causes a permanent inflammation of your pancreas
- Hereditary syndromes with changes or mutations in genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes passed from biological parent to child
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