Biomarker in pancreatic cysts could predict risk of cancer progression
MD Anderson Research Highlight June 20, 2025
Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled growths that appear on or in the pancreas and have the potential to develop into pancreatic cancer. Currently, few tools are available to reliably predict which cysts are likely to progress. To identify predictive biomarkers, researchers led by , used advanced techniques to study the metabolites in cystic fluid and to evaluate the spatial distribution of key genes within the most common pancreatic cysts ¨C intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) ¨C a known pancreatic cancer precursor. The study included 125 patients with IPMN. The researchers found that IPMNs nearing transformation into cancer secrete more acetylated polyamines, which are compounds highly associated with enhanced cell growth and proliferation. These results suggest that elevated levels of acetylated polyamines in cystic fluid may help identify patients with high-risk IPMN to better guide their clinical management. Learn more in .
We are hopeful that this biomarker can help identify patients at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer so that clinicians can determine appropriate early intervention strategies.