A recent study by the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center has identified the presence of mutant KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a significant predictor of metastasis and reduced survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This discovery offers a valuable biomarker for assessing disease progression and tailoring treatment strategies.
The study analyzed nearly 800 patients, revealing that 20%–30% had detectable mutant KRAS ctDNA in their blood or peritoneal fluid, with the highest incidence observed in those who had not yet undergone treatment. This suggests that conducting ctDNA assays before initiating therapy could enhance detection rates. The ability to identify patients at higher risk for metastasis enables more informed decision-making and personalized treatment approaches, potentially improving outcomes for individuals battling this aggressive form of cancer.
