Pancreatic Cancer Detection: The Promise of Urinary miRNA-Based Liquid Biopsy

Pancreatic cancer continues to be one of the most deadly cancers worldwide, with a five-year survival rate of roughly 12%. Its aggressive characteristics and propensity for late diagnosis render early detection vital for enhancing outcomes. Presently, only around 20% of individuals qualify for curative surgery due to the restricted indications for such treatments in advanced stages. Nonetheless, when recognized in localized stages, the five-year survival rate can substantially improve, reaching as high as 44%. The absence of dependable early screening methods hampers prompt diagnosis. Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), a widely acknowledged biomarker, exhibits a sensitivity of 70â??90%, but its efficacy notably diminishes in early-stage cancers. Consequently, innovative diagnostic strategies are critically needed to facilitate earlier interventions. Liquid Diagnostic Tool Liquid biopsy is emerging as a minimally invasive option in cancer diagnostics, utilizing circulating molecular markers found in bodily fluids. Blood-based liquid biopsies have shown potential in identifying Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) linked to pancreatic cancer. However, because of the low concentration and tumor-specific origins of these markers, their sensitivity in early detection remains constrained.

Author(s): Masui Satoh

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