Early detection window when pancreatic cancer is in the family

Pancreatic cancer likely takes between 10 and 20 years to develop, providing the potential for a very "broad window" of intervention if detected early, which may be possible for people who inherit a predisposition, say Australian clinical researchers.

Dr Jeremy Humphris and Professor Andrew Biankin1, from Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research, analysed and tumour samples taken from a cohort of 766 pancreatic cancer patients, operated on between 1994 and 20122. Roughly 9% of these patients had a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with pancreatic cancer, a figure consistent with other studies.

Patients with close relatives were shown to be more far more likely to have at least one other form of cancer, as were relatives. In 71% of affected parent-child pairs, the child was around 12 years younger at diagnosis, which may reflect an inheritance phenomenon known as 'anticipation'. Active smokers were 10 years younger than the norm at diagnosis (as opposed to 5 years younger in patients who had not inherited the disease).

In a paper just published online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the authors suggest that it should now be possible to identify novel susceptibility genes, and at the same time design risk management and screening programs for the genetically susceptible group.

Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Most patients cannot be saved because diagnosis comes only after the disease is advanced or has spread. Long-term survivors are those who have small tumours which can be totally removed, and whose lymph nodes are clear of disease.

The greatest known risk factors are cigarette smoking and a family history of the disease. Other risk factors include diabetes and obesity and, to a lesser extent, alcohol consumption.

"Our findings suggest that when we're assessing someone, it's important to understand the family history – not just of , but other malignancies too," said Dr Jeremy Humphris.

"Smoking led to a much earlier onset of disease, so obviously you would counsel against smoking, especially in those who are genetically susceptible."

Professor Andrew Biankin concurred, observing that "a better understanding of the clinical features of genetically at-risk individuals will help us identify susceptibility genes as well as those who might benefit from genetic counseling and screening for detection of early ".


Journal information: Cancer
Citation: Early detection window when pancreatic cancer is in the family (2014, October 14) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-10-early-window-pancreatic-cancer-family.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Study sheds light on factors that may contribute to pancreatic cancer

3 shares

Feedback to editors