A New Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer

Video: A New Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer

Video: A New Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer
Video: Developing a new test for pancreatic cancer | Jack Andraka | TEDxSalford 2024, March
A New Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer
A New Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer
Anonim

The pancreas or pancreas is located transversely on the back wall of the abdominal cavity and behind the stomach. It has two main functions - the secretion of digestive enzymes, as well as the release of the hormones insulin and glucagon, which play a very important role in regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

Smoking, diabetes, high fat intake, family history, some pesticides, old age - over 60 years and others are considered to be the reasons leading to the development of malignant disease of the pancreas.

The dangers to life are great, which is why many scientists are looking for ways to diagnose the disease as early as possible.

A team of scientists has discovered a new blood test that could help diagnose pancreatic cancer early.

The head of the study, Dr. Brian Walpin, emphasizes that its early detection is quite difficult because this malignancy usually has no symptoms, even if it has spread to the human body. And it is often found when the chances of treatment are minimal.

Thus, he believes that thanks to this new test, which detects malignant cells in human blood, it would improve the early detection of pancreatic cancer, as well as the chances of survival.

Stomach
Stomach

The team found that elevated levels of certain amino acids could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. They examined blood samples taken from 1,500 people who had previously been monitored. And based on the results of the analysis of blood samples, the researchers found that those of the participants with higher levels of BCAAs (branched chain amino acids) in the blood developed a malignant disease of the pancreas.

And these results were available for 2 to 25 years before individuals were diagnosed with the insidious disease. Other studies indicate that damage to muscle tissue by cancer causes an increase in the amount of these amino acids in the blood.

The results of the research team are supported by a number of scientists who believe that this blood test, which detects certain amino acids, would stimulate progress in the early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

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