Single extracellular vesicle analysis to identify high-risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Start year: 2025

Summary: Early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) gives patients the best chance of survival. Screening the general population is difficult due to the relatively low incidence of PC, so early detection efforts should focus on high-risk populations. Pancreatic lesions are a frequent incidental finding common in the general population. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a distinct pancreatic precursor responsible for 20-30% of PC cases. Identifying high-risk IPMNs that need to be surgically removed is critical since the risks and costs of unnecessary pancreatic surgery are substantial. An unmet need exists for an affordable test to identify high-risk IPMNs to allow early intervention before malignant transformation. This project aims to develop a new, affordable, highly accurate blood test to identify high-risk IPMN. The target in the blood test is circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are vehicles that package numerous disease-specific biomarkers into circulation. The blood test is based on the team’s recent development of a highly sensitive assay that detects extremely low concentrations of EV-associated biomarkers in patients' blood harbouring early diseases. The outcomes will provide a non-invasive and affordable clinical option, significantly reducing the risks and costs of unnecessary pancreatic surgery. It allows screening and surveillance in high-risk populations for early intervention before malignant transformation.

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.