Prevention of Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer was the 7th most common cancer and the 4th leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe in 2020. Its high mortality is attributed to late-stage diagnosis in approximately 85% of cases. The differentiation of pancreatic cysts with potentially malignant behavior is not always feasible. Moreover, since the only current option for preventing Pancreatic Duct Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is surgical resection, it is essential to develop complementary non-invasive methodologies for the characterization of pancreatic cysts to avoid unnecessary surgeries.

The proposed initiative focuses on the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers for the development of a cost-effective diagnostic methodology. Within the framework of the project, a Pancreatic Cyst Monitoring Clinic will be established, aiming to become a national reference point for PDAC prevention. Simultaneously, high-sensitivity and high-specificity methodologies will be applied for the detection of mutations in plasma-derived EV DNA. Annual examinations will be conducted at the Prevention Clinic for at least 100 individuals due to the incidental finding of asymptomatic pancreatic cysts.

Key factors for the positive evaluation of this proposal include the uniqueness and innovativeness of the project, as well as the high competence and expertise of the two partners. The project is expected to act as a catalyst for the creation of an innovative framework for pancreatic cancer management. It is noteworthy that patients with pancreatic cysts who will be monitored at the new clinic will continue to be followed up even after the project’s completion.