Early detection of pancreatic cancer

Project summary

Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis, as it is generally diagnosed too late for surgical removal. The best way to improve patient survival is to detect the tumor at an earlier stage, before it becomes visible on medical imaging. We have shown that molecules derived from tumor cells can be detected in the juice that is secreted by the pancreas, as this fluid is in close contact with the cancer cells. In this project, we will first investigate which tumor-specific molecules in juice best discriminate pancreatic cancer patients from controls. Subsequently, we will routinely measure these tumor derived molecules in pancreatic juice from patients undergoing surveillance for hereditary risk of pancreatic cancer. This way, we might be able to detect pancreatic cancer at earlier stages and improve patient outcomes.