New therapeutic advances in pancreatic cancer fight usher in new era

A paradigm shift is taking place for cancers that have the worst prognosis. Early diagnosis, personalized therapies and new targeted medications are all contributing to this.

Pancreatic Cancer remains one of most difficult tumours to diagnose, but advances in recent years have opened up a more optimistic outlook for patients. This is explained by Dr Enrique de Madaria, a specialist in Digestive Diseases at Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital and Quirónsalud Alicante, who emphasises that the combination of new imaging techniques, emerging biomarkers and targeted therapies “is beginning to change a disease that for a long time seemed immovable.”

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells within the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably. This usually happens in the area responsible for producing digestive acids. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

The greatest challenge is to diagnose cancer earlier. Early tumours are rarely accompanied by clear symptoms because the pancreas is located deep in the abdomen. Dr De Madaria says that when symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or jaundice are present, the disease has often advanced. At present, nearly 80% of cases are detected when surgery is no longer possible – despite being the only treatment that can potentially cure the disease.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer using new tools

At the same time, new biomarkers are being investigated that could revolutionise early detection, including fragments of circulating tumour DNA, specific metabolites, and even signals detectable in saliva and stool samples – a line of research still in the experimental phase but especially promising.

Treatment that requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary treatment team

Only a few patients qualify for surgery at the time they are diagnosed. New chemotherapy regimens may shrink tumours that were initially unoperable and allow later surgery.

The treatment of pancreatic carcinoma has improved.

The medical treatment of pancreatic cancer has improved dramatically in recent years.

Personalised medicine has been the biggest breakthrough. Some tumours contain mutations which allow targeted therapy.

Dr De Madaria says, “We’re witnessing a paradigm change.” “For decades, KRAS – the main mutation in pancreatic cancer – seemed untouchable, but drugs are now starting to emerge that can act on specific mutations such as KRAS G12C or G12D. The first clinical trials are promising.”

In addition, there are several KRAS-specific therapies in the works, which will benefit a larger number of patients. The research is also examining combinations with immunotherapy, and other targeted treatment options. Preliminary results are becoming more robust.

While pancreatic carcinoma remains a major problem, progress has been made faster than ever. “For the very first time we see research delivering not only knowledge, but real tools that could transform prognosis,” concluded Dr Enrique de Madaria. Collaboration between centres and clinical trials were key in opening new doors to our patients.