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How A Cheap Blood Test May Soon Detect One Of The Deadliest Cancers

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a blood test called PAC-MANN, to detect pancreatic cancer. The study is significant since this type of cancer is one of the deadliest and was responsible for more than 50,000 deaths last year read more

One of the deadliest cancers, pancreatic cancer, can be detected with just a drop of blood.

Yes, that may be possible soon.

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have developed a blood test called PAC-MANN.

It is an abbreviation for "protease activity-based assay using a magnetic nanosensor."

The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine on Wednesday.

Here's all we know about it.

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How does the test work?

The non-invasive test was developed by the researchers using blood samples from 350 patients from CEDAR and the Brenden-Colson Centre for Pancreatic Care at OHSU.

The participants were either controls, at high risk for cancer or had pancreatic cancer.

The researchers examined the blood for specific proteins, mainly proteases, which are more active in PDAC patients.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most prevalent and deadly type of pancreatic cancer, is identified by protease. This protein allow tumours to grow by weakening connective tissues.

They created a test that could precisely diagnose pancreatic cancer by figuring out these proteins.

The PAC-MANN test was 98 per cent successful in accurately differentiating patients with pancreatic cancer from healthy individuals and those with non-cancerous pancreatic problems.

According to the study, it is a quick and convenient screening option since, in contrast to standard tests, it only requires a small blood sample and offers a simple fluorescent result.

The study's lead author, Dr Jose L Montoya Mira, said, "Our test could be used for people at high risk of pancreatic cancer, which is not targeted by current tests."

"It allows for a more robust and less invasive screening, unlike an endoscopic ultrasound and other liquid biopsy tests that require large volumes of blood, thus allowing our test to be performed more frequently for earlier detection."

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Why is this significant?

When pancreatic cancer is detected at an advanced stage, there are few available options for treatment.

Though they are not accurate enough for early-stage identification, current tests like carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) are good at predicting prognosis.

By detecting indicators of cancer-related activity in the blood, the newly developed PAC-MANN test closes this gap and aids in the early detection of cancer.

The results showed that when combined with the CA 19-9 test, the test was able to identify early-stage cancer with an accuracy of 85 per cent.

"The problem with pancreatic cancer is that we often catch it too later," study co-author Dr Jared Fischer, a scientist with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's CEDAR, said, "Our goal with PAC-MANN is to give clinicians a tool that can detect the disease much earlier, when more treatment options are available and there is a better chance of survival."

He said even after surgery, the test could help monitor whether treatments are effective or not.

"If we can track a patient's response to therapy in real-time, we can make better treatment decisions and improve outcomes."

Montoya, who plans for more trials, has said, "The big difference with this test is the cost: It takes only 8 microlitres of blood and 45 minutes to run the test at a cost of less than a penny per sample," Montoya said. "This could easily be used in rural and underserved settings, where traditional tests are not or cannot be used."

"Hopefully," Fischer said, "this is one step toward ending cancer as we know it."

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How common is pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers, responsible for more than 50,000 deaths in 2024.

The most common type is PDAC, which begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas.

Patients are often diagnosed late in the cancer's progression because the disease can be difficult to spot. It often doesn't cause symptoms until it has spread past the point of being easily treatable.

When the disease is advanced, signs and symptoms may include belly pain that spreads to the sides or back, loss of appetite, weight loss, jaundice, light-coloured or floating stools, dark urine, itching, diabetes, pain and swelling in an arm or leg, tiredness or weakness.

While exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown, doctors say smoking and having a family history of pancreatic cancer may raise the risk of this type of cancer.

Furthermore, doctors have limited options, such as biopsies and imaging tests, to detect early pancreatic cancer cases.

With inputs from agencies

End of Article

Common Cancer Type Could Be Detected With New Blood Test

A new blood test was found to detect colon cancer with more than 80% accuracy — and to rule it out for 90% of healthy people.

The results were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium held in San Francisco late last month.

They were also published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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In the study, more than 27,000 adults between 45 and 85 had their blood drawn before undergoing a colonoscopy to screen for signs of cancer. The participants were enrolled between May 2020 and April 2022.

A new blood test was found to detect colon cancer with more than 80% accuracy — and to rule it out for 90% of healthy people. (iStock)

Researchers tested the blood samples for "molecular signals of advanced colorectal cellular changes" and then compared those results with the colonoscopy findings.

The sensitivity of the test, or its success rate at detecting existing colon cancer, was 81.1%, the researchers found.

The specificity of the test, which is the share of participants who did not have colon cancer and tested negative for it, was 90.4%. 

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"Additional colorectal cancer screening tests that are convenient, safe and easy to complete are needed," said lead study author Aasma Shaukat, MD, from NYU Grossman School of Medicine,  in a press release from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

"Until now, we have only had stool-based tests and colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (stool-based). A blood test has the potential for improving colorectal cancer screening rates."

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. And the second-deadliest type, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.  (iStock)

Pamela Kunz, MD, from Yale School of Medicine, noted that the experimental blood test represents a "new tool in our toolbox" of colorectal cancer screening options.

"The study evaluated blood-based screening for colorectal cancer and may provide a convenient and effective option for colorectal cancer screening in the average-risk U.S. Population," Kunz, who was not involved in the study, stated in the same press release.

"A blood test has the potential for improving colorectal cancer screening rates."

Pashtoon Kasi, MD, medical director of gastrointestinal medical oncology at City of Hope Orange County in California, was not involved in the study but noted that these types of blood tests — also known as "liquid biopsies" — are "revolutionizing cancer care."

"It is a simple blood test looking at different components of cancers or tumors that are being shed in the bloodstream — hence, the term 'liquid biopsy,'" Kasi told Fox News Digital.

Expanded screening options are especially important given the trend of more people getting diagnosed with colon cancer under the age of 50. (iStock)

Several different kinds of these blood tests are already making their way into clinical practice, the doctor noted.

"Some are cancer-specific like this one, which will be geared toward early detection of colon and rectal cancer. Other liquid biopsy tests are what they call multi-cancer early detection tests (MCED) — meaning they can pick up multiple cancers in just one blood draw," he said.

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The doctor noted that blood tests shouldn't be used in place of colonoscopies, which remain the "gold standard" of colon cancer screening.

"Colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer through the detection and removal of polyps, non-cancerous growths in the lining of the bowel that can become cancerous," Kasi said.

"Blood tests are designed to detect cancer, not prevent it."

If cancer is detected during a blood test, additional tests like a colonoscopy will still need to be done, he added.

"Like most cancers, early detection of colon cancer typically results in better outcomes," said Kasi. "Typically, colon cancer is slow-growing — and in its early stages, it can be asymptomatic."

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At least a third to half of people do not get colon cancer screenings, studies show — and the hope is that the blood test can help "fill the void," according to Kasi.

"We know that a colonoscopy typically conjures up unpleasant thoughts of bowel prep, a liquid diet and embarrassment, so it is not a surprise that blood screening tests offer greater appeal," he said, calling the blood-based test a "potential game-changer" in improving screening rates.

"Colorectal cancer is on a particularly steep incline – so steep that by the year 2030, it will be the leading cause of cancer death for young adults in the United States," an oncologist warned. (iStock)

Expanded screening options are especially important given the trend of more people getting diagnosed with colon cancer under the age of 50.

"Colorectal cancer is on a particularly steep incline – so steep that by the year 2030, it will be the leading cause of cancer death for young adults in the United States," Kasi warned.

"Blood tests are designed to detect cancer, not prevent it."

"It will be imperative to expand research in this area and to have diagnostic testing that is available for a younger demographic."

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. And the second-deadliest type, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. 

Blood tests shouldn't be used in place of colonoscopies, which remain the "gold standard" of colon cancer screening, doctors stated. (iStock)

Looking ahead, researchers will continue to study the long-term impact of the colorectal blood test, they noted. 

"As blood-based tests get approval from regulatory bodies and Medicare and other payors, the tests will become available for clinical use," lead study author Shaukat told Fox News Digital. 

Blood-based tests are options for men and women between 45 and 85 who are at average risk for colon cancer and due for screening, the doctor noted.

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"If you have high risk family history or other medical condition that puts you at increased risk for colon cancer, the test is not an option," he said. "Also, if the test is positive, it requires a colonoscopy to evaluate for colon polyps or colon cancer."

For more Health articles, visit www.Foxnews.Com/health

The researcher recommends that patients talk with their providers about options for colorectal cancer screening, such as a stool test, blood test and colonoscopy, and select the one that is best for them.

The study did not receive any funding, the release stated.

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.Rudy@fox.Com.

New Blood Test Could Detect Pancreatic Cancer Earlier

Scientists in Oregon have developed a new test for pancreatic cancer which uses only a small sample ... [+] of blood.

getty

A new blood test could diagnose pancreatic cancer much earlier, improving survival rates for people with the disease.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer, making up more than 80% of all cases of the disease. Despite being rarer than many types of cancer including lung, breast and colorectal, pancreatic cancer accounts the the fourth most deaths of any cancer globally and it's prognosis is dismal, with only 13% of people surviving for 5 years or more after diagnosis. Almost 40,000 deaths from pancreatic cancer occur annually in the United States alone.

A large part of the reason for this poor prognosis is that pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when it has spread outside of the pancreas, sometimes to distant sites in the body. As with most types of cancer, once the tumor has spread, it becomes much harder to successfully treat.

"Liquid biopsy" tests which use a sample of easily-obtainable bodily fluids such as blood or urine have become a popular area of innovation in biotech in recent years, particularly in early detection of cancer or monitoring of treatment response. Some liquid biopsies look for small fragments of genetic material, which are released into the bloodstream by tumors, but others look for levels of proteins, enzymes or other metabolites.

Results from the new blood-based test called "PAC-MANN" were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. The test detects the activity of enzymes called proteases in the blood of people with pancreatic cancer. The researchers validated the test on over 350 blood samples from people with and without pancreatic cancer, finding the test demonstrated the ability to differentiate blood from people with pancreatic cancer from healthy people and also people with non-cancerous pancreatic disease, 98% of the time.

Jared Fischer, Ph.D., left, and Jose Luis Montoya Mira, Ph.D., cancer researchers at OHSU, have ... [+] developed PAC-MANN, a test that uses a small blood sample to detect changes in protease activity, a key indicator of the most common and deadliest form of pancreatic cancer.

(OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

"The problem with pancreatic cancer is that we often catch it too late," said Jared Fischer, PhD, lead author of the work and Assistant Professor of Molecular and Medical Genetics at the Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR. "Our goal with PAC-MANN is to give clinicians a tool that can detect the disease much earlier, when more treatment options are available and there is a better chance of survival," Fischer added in a press release.

The researchers also combined PAC-MANN with a diagnostic test already available for pancreatic cancer called CA 19-9, where the combination was able to spot early signs of pancreatic cancer 85% of the time, an improvement on the CA 19-9 test alone. The test also showed some indication of being able to monitor treatment response in patients with pancreatic cancer, giving off a weaker signal when treatments were working for patients.

"This test isn't just about detection — it could also help us measure how well treatments are working and guide therapeutic options," said Fischer. "If we can track a patient's response to therapy in real-time, we can make better treatment decisions and improve outcomes."

The researchers claim that the test is cheap, takes just 45 minutes to provide a result and only requires a tiny pinprick of blood. The researchers plan to run a further trial at Oregon Health & Science University on patients with a high risk of developing pancreatic cancer to further develop and validate the test.

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