Serum DU-PAN-2 in Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): C. Fabris, A. Malesci, D. Basso, C. Bonato, G. Del Favero, M. Tacconi, T. Meggiato, P. Fogar, M.P. Panozzo, C. Ferrara, P. Scalon, R. Naccarato
Primary Institution: Istituto di Medicina Interna, Universita degli Studi di Padova
Hypothesis
Can serum DU-PAN-2 levels effectively differentiate pancreatic cancer from other diseases?
Conclusion
The serum DU-PAN-2 test is not sensitive enough to reliably diagnose pancreatic cancer or distinguish it from other diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- DU-PAN-2 was above 300 U/ml in 21 out of 31 patients with pancreatic cancer, indicating a sensitivity of 68%.
- Only 3 out of 32 patients with chronic pancreatitis had abnormal DU-PAN-2 values.
- A significant correlation was found between DU-PAN-2 levels and liver function tests.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a blood marker called DU-PAN-2 to see if it could help find pancreatic cancer, but it didn't work well enough.
Methodology
Serum DU-PAN-2 levels were measured in 104 patients with pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and other diseases, using an EIA method.
Limitations
The test cannot distinguish between pancreatic cancer and other extra-pancreatic diseases, especially in patients with liver dysfunction.
Participant Demographics
The study included 31 patients with pancreatic cancer (15 males, 16 females, age range 28-79), 32 with chronic pancreatitis (29 males, 3 females, age range 29-65), and 41 with extra-pancreatic diseases (22 males, 19 females, age range 39-82).
Statistical Information
P-Value
P<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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