Detection of pancreatic cancer using serum protein profiling

Abstract

Background Currently, no suitable biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) are available. Proteins present in the serum could reflect a state of the disease. In this study, these profiles as a diagnostic marker for PC were evaluated. Methods Serum samples were obtained from PC patients (n = 50 calibration set, n = 39 validation set) and healthy volunteers (n = 110 and n = 75 respectively) according to a uniform standardized collection and processing protocol. For peptide and protein isolation, automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Weak Cation Exchange (WCX) magnetic beads (MB) was performed using a 96-channel liquid handling platform. Protein profiles were obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) and evaluated by linear discriminant analysis with double cross-validation. Results A discriminating profile for PC has been identified, with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 89% in the calibration set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 90%. These results were validated with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 91% (AUC 90%). Conclusion Serum profiles of healthy controls and PC can be discrimated between. Further research is warranted to evaluate specificity and whether this biosignature can be used for early detection in a high risk population. © 2012 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association.