Microchip Nanoparticle Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer in Blood, Outperforming Biopsy in Early Trial

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University developed a blood-based technique using microchip technology and nanoparticles to detect pancreatic cancer, achieving 97% accuracy in distinguishing cancer from benign pancreatic disease in a blinded study of 36 people—outperforming the 79% detection rate of traditional needle biopsies. The method uses dielectrophoresis to capture tumor-secreted nanoparticles containing cancer biomarkers from a simple blood draw, potentially enabling earlier detection in high-risk individuals and helping surgeons avoid unnecessary removal of benign masses. Lead researcher Stuart Ibsen estimates the technique is approximately five years from clinical use. The breakthrough addresses a critical gap in pancreatic cancer care, where most cases are not detected until late stages when treatment is largely ineffective.

New microchip nanoparticle detection technique for pancreatic cancer

• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique involves fluorescent staining to reveal biomarkers associated with pancreatic cancer.
• ▪The study on the Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique was published in the journal Small.
• ▪Stuart Ibsen is an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the OHSU School of Medicine and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
• ▪Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University developed a technique using an electronic jolt and nanoparticles to detect pancreatic cancer.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique uses a small electronic jolt on a microchip to collect nanoparticles shed by tumors into blood.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection method would involve a simple blood draw among people who are considered higher risk due to family history or other factors.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique uses dielectrophoresis to recover nanoparticles carrying cell-free DNA and protein biomarkers.

Superior accuracy compared to traditional biopsy methods

• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University study compared blood drawn from 36 people, including those with pancreatic cancer and a control group with noncancerous pancreatic disorders such as pancreatitis.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique showed a 97% likelihood of correctly distinguishing people with cancer from those with benign pancreatic disease.
• ▪Direct biopsies of the pancreas using ultrasound-guided fine needles reveal 79% of pancreatic cancers.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection study was blinded so researchers did not know which samples came from cancer patients.

Clinical implications and timeline for implementation

• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer blood test could help surgeons determine whether a pancreatic mass needs to be surgically removed.
• ▪Stuart Ibsen estimates the Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer detection technique is probably five years away from clinical use.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University study was conducted in collaboration with OHSU's Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care.

Perspective of Stuart Ibsen and OHSU researchers

• ▪The dielectrophoresis method developed at Oregon Health & Science University can capture tumor-derived nanoparticles that imaging techniques cannot detect.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University blood test approach offers a less invasive alternative to ultrasound-guided needle biopsies of the pancreas.
• ▪The Oregon Health & Science University nanoparticle technique could enable screening of high-risk individuals before pancreatic cancer progresses to late stages.

Perspective of Pancreatic cancer patients and high-risk individuals

• ▪Patients with pancreatic masses could avoid unnecessary surgical removal of benign tumors if the Oregon Health & Science University blood test confirms non-cancerous status.

Perspective of Surgeons and clinical practitioners

• ▪Surgeons could use the Oregon Health & Science University blood test results to make more informed decisions about whether pancreatic masses require surgical intervention.
• ▪Clinical adoption of the Oregon Health & Science University pancreatic cancer blood test depends on validation through larger trials beyond the initial 36-person study.

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