Biomarkers, Omics and Artificial Intelligence for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently diagnosed in its late stages when treatment options are limited. Unlike other common cancers, there are no population-wide screening programmes for PDAC. Thus, early disease detection, although urgently needed, remains elusive. Individuals in certain high-risk groups are, however, offered screening or surveillance. Here we explore advances in understanding high-risk groups for PDAC and efforts to implement biomarker-driven detection of PDAC in these groups. We review current approaches to early detection biomarker development and the use of artificial intelligence as applied to electronic health records (EHRs) and social media. Finally, we address the cost-effectiveness of applying biomarker strategies for early detection of PDAC.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest EC, LO and WG are named as an inventor on patent WO2020169511A1, submitted by the University of Liverpool, that covers the measurement of adiponectin and IL-1Ra as a biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer. LO is supported by Cancer Research UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK. SP received consultancy fee from AlphaTau and a speaker fee from Fresenius Kabi. GBH is the founder of a cancer diagnostic company and is named on patents related to volatile biomarkers. AT participates in the clinical trial “New Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer Using EXPEL Concept (PANEXPEL)”; NCT03791073. The other authors report no declarations of interest. AP and PA are funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU, Misison 4 Component 2 Inv. 1.5 CUP: B13D21011850006. BR is supported by the Czech Health Research Council grant no. NW24-03-00024 and the National Institute for Cancer Research – NICR (Programme EXCELES, ID Project No. LX22NPO5102) – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU. GH is a founder of a cancer diagnostic company and named on patents related to volatile biomarkers. RVDM is funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) funding for “Detecting pancreatic cancer in the largest high-risk group for this disease: A top-down approach (CRUK Early Detection Programme); £100,018.00; 01/04/2019 – 30/06/2025. The study sponsor had no involvement in any aspects of the study. Conflict of Interest EC, LO and WG are named as an inventor on patent WO2020169511A1, submitted by the University of Liverpool, that covers the measurement of adiponectin and IL-1Ra as a biomarker for early detection of pancreatic cancer. LO is supported by Cancer Research UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK. SP received consultancy fee from AlphaTau and a speaker fee from Fresenius Kabi. GBH is the founder of a cancer diagnostic company and is named on patents related to volatile biomarkers. AT participates in the clinical trial “New Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer Using EXPEL Concept (PANEXPEL)”; NCT03791073. The other authors report no declarations of interest. AP and PA are funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU, Misison 4 Component 2 Inv. 1.5 CUP: B13D21011850006. BR is supported by the Czech Health Research Council grant no. NW24-03-00024 and the National Institute for Cancer Research – NICR (Programme EXCELES, ID Project No. LX22NPO5102) – Funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU. GH is a founder of a cancer diagnostic company and named on patents related to volatile biomarkers. RVDM is funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) funding for “Detecting pancreatic cancer in the largest high-risk group for this disease: A top-down approach (CRUK Early Detection Programme); £100,018.00; 01/04/2019 – 30/06/2025. The study sponsor had no involvement in any aspects of the study.
(Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)