Pancreatic cancer program

The prognosis for pancreatic cancer is generally poor. The main reason for this is that pancreatic cancer is rarely detected early. The pancreas is located deep inside the body and early tumors cannot be felt by healthcare providers during routine examinations. Most pancreatic cancers are found at an advanced stage because patients usually have no symptoms until the cancer has spread to other organs.

Screening for pancreatic cancer

There are currently no blood tests or readily available screening methods that can accurately detect early cancers of the pancreas.

Miraculins' pancreatic cancer diagnostic test

In September 2006, Miraculins announced the expansion of its product pipeline to include a new diagnostic research program for pancreatic cancer.

Miraculins' pancreatic cancer diagnostic is currently under development. It is a simple blood test designed to detect pancreatic cancer in the early stages. It can be used to correctly identify pancreatic cancer positives, while correctly classifying those with pancreatitis, a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.

This test has the ability to positively impact patient mortality, as well as improve the quality of care for pancreatic cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer facts

• Develops in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach
• Usually starts in the ducts that carry enzymes to the duodenum, but may also start in the cells that produce insulin
• The third leading cause of death from cancer in Canada
• The fourth leading cause of death from cancer in the United States