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The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer

Early Detection

Alison KleinAlison Klein, Ph.D.

Precision medicine may also lead to earlier detection, before the cancer has spread. Our experts developed a blood test that spots tumor-specific DNA and protein biomarkers of early-stage pancreatic cancer. Tumors tend to shed their mutated DNA into the bloodstream, making it possible for scientists to use gene-sequencing technology to sift through the blood and fish out DNA molecules specific for cancer amid a wide sea of normal DNA circulating in the blood.

A gene-based test can distinguish harmless pancreatic cysts from cysts that are likely to become cancer. These fluid-filled cysts are found in more than 1 million patients each year who have undergone CT or MRI scans because of abdominal pain and swelling. Imaging and even examining the fluid inside the cysts does not provide precise markers for precancerous potential. A panel of genetic markers, combined with clinical expertise, can accurately differentiate among types of pancreatic cysts and identify cysts that are safe to watch over time and cysts that need to be removed.

We have one of the busiest pancreatic surgery programs in the world, and it has aided our expert in pioneering these types of pancreatic cancer precision medicine approaches. Many patients willingly provided tumor samples our scientists study to identify the molecular changes that cause pancreatic cancers to form and grow.

Alison Klein, Ph.D., a researcher in the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, studies common gene variations that sometimes lead to pancreatic cancer.

“Most people who have them will never develop pancreatic cancer, but studying these changes can help us understand why some people develop the cancer,” says Klein. “Combining this information with other data we have on pancreatic cancer may help us figure out who is most at risk.”

Contact our Precision Medicine Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer at 410-933-PANC (7262).

National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry

The NFPTR Needs You!

The NFPTR is a research study aimed at identifying the causes of pancreatic cancer. We hope that our research will enable the early detection of pancreas cancer and lead to improved treatment of this disease, saving lives. The addition of more families to our study is critical to continue our progress.

Find out if you or your family qualifies to join the pancreas tumor registry.

Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms

Catching pancreatic cancer early is challenging because patients rarely experience the signs of pancreatic cancer until the disease has progressed or spread. Therefore, pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at later stages, making long-term prognosis and survival rates much lower than other cancers. Experiencing several common symptoms may indicate pancreatic cancer at an advanced stage or an unrelated medical condition.

Learn More