Early detection of pancreatic cancer in the era of precision medicine

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2024 Oct;49(10):3559-3573. doi: 10.1007/s00261-024-04358-w. Epub 2024 May 18.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality and it is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to non-specific clinical presentation. Disease detection at localized disease stage followed by surgical resection remains the only potentially curative treatment. In this era of precision medicine, a multifaceted approach to early detection of PDAC includes targeted screening in high-risk populations, serum biomarkers and "liquid biopsies", and artificial intelligence augmented tumor detection from radiologic examinations. In this review, we will review these emerging techniques in the early detection of PDAC.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; CT; Cancer screening; Liquid biopsy; MRI; Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / blood
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / blood
  • Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / methods
  • Humans
  • Liquid Biopsy / methods
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Precision Medicine* / methods

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor