Researchers identify new blood markers that may detect early pancreatic cancer
Research news: NIH-supported investigators report a plasma biomarker panel that may improve detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), including early-stage disease. In a retrospective analysis of banked samples, two novel proteins—aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR)—were elevated in early-stage PDAC. A four-marker panel (ANPEP, PIGR, CA19-9, THBS2) distinguished cases from non-cases with 91.9% accuracy at a 5% false-positive rate, and identified 87.5% of stage I/II cases. Further prospective testing is needed.
NIH-supported study reports plasma markers that may aid early PDAC detection (research news)
NIH-supported researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Mayo Clinic developed a blood test aiming to detect pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer often diagnosed late and lacking established screening methods. Findings were published January 29, 2026 in Clinical Cancer Research (Krusen et al.; DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-25-3297) and highlighted by NCI on January 30, 2026.
Using a phased approach and retrospective analysis of banked blood samples from patients with PDAC and non-cases, investigators evaluated established markers carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and thrombospondin 2 (THBS2). The report notes limitations of CA19-9 as a screening tool, including elevations in benign conditions (e.g., pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction) and non-producers due to genetic factors.
Two additional proteins—aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR)—were identified as elevated in early-stage PDAC versus healthy volunteers. Combining ANPEP and PIGR with CA19-9 and THBS2, the four-marker panel distinguished PDAC cases from non-cases 91.9% of the time across all stages at a 5% false-positive rate, and identified 87.5% of stage I/II cases.
Authors emphasize the retrospective nature of the work and call for larger “prediagnostic” studies to assess potential use in high-risk populations. This is not a regulatory approval.