Groundbreaking Blood Test Detects Earliest Signs of Pancreatic Cancer Before Symptoms Appear

Pancreatic cancer often remains undetected until it has progressed beyond the pancreas, typically because it presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Consequently, pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates, with survival rates largely unchanged despite advancements in the treatment of other cancers. Early detection is vital for this type of cancer, as most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, limiting treatment options. While new treatment options for pancreatic cancer have emerged, their success still relies heavily on the ability to detect the disease early. Now, a groundbreaking blood test can identify pancreatic cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms develop. This test works by detecting tumor-derived cell-free DNA that cancer cells release into the bloodstream. These DNA fragments carry distinct signatures unique to pancreatic cancer, allowing for their identification even in very low concentrations.

The BT-Reveal early pancreatic cancer test, developed by Breakthrough Genomics (Irvine, CA, USA), is the first blood-based test of its kind, offering at-risk individuals the ability to detect pancreatic cancer early without the high costs and side effects associated with MRIs and other diagnostic methods. Powered by patented DNA methylation technology, the test detects the earliest signs of pancreatic cancer in circulating cell-free DNA, often before symptoms manifest. DNA methylation involves the switching on and off of DNA molecules to regulate cellular functions. The test identifies abnormal DNA methylation patterns in the blood, which serve as early indicators of pancreatic cancer. On a molecular level, the test analyzes 59 specific DNA methylation regions (biomarkers) that have been strongly associated with pancreatic cancer.

Image: The groundbreaking genomics method has the potential to uncover insights previously missed (Photo courtesy of Breakthrough Genomics)

BT-Reveal is a non-invasive, life-saving test that successfully detects 83% of pancreatic cancers, including those in the early Stage 1 and 2. This blood test offers a convenient biochemical alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, helping to screen for pancreatic cancer without the side effects or logistical challenges associated with imaging techniques. It provides an effective and less invasive way to identify pancreatic cancer, especially in clinical settings where quick and reliable detection is crucial. The test has received the FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation and is currently available for high-risk patients through Breakthrough Genomics.

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