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Genetic research

Pancreatic Cancer Research Uncovers Potential Biomarker for Prognosis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the University of Salento, in collaboration with Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, have conducted an exploratory study to investigate the relationship between circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) and inflammation in older adults with pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed plasma/serum samples from 14 participants, including 3 healthy controls and 11 pancreatic cancer patients, and measured levels of ccf-mtDNA and various inflammatory markers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found no significant differences in ccf-mtDNA levels between pancreatic cancer patients and healthy controls, with a p-value of 0.06.
  • However, concentrations of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17, and interferon-gamma were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients.
  • Stratification of pancreatic cancer patients based on the median ccf-mtDNA concentration revealed significantly higher levels of IL-4, IL-9, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta in those with ccf-mtDNA levels above the median.
  • The research suggests a potential association between elevated ccf-mtDNA levels and increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, especially in pancreatic cancer patients with an unfavorable prognosis.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is required to validate these findings and assess the prognostic value of these biomarkers.

Statistics:

  • 14 participants were included in the study, comprising 3 healthy controls and 11 pancreatic cancer patients.
  • The mean age of the controls was 52.0 ± 16.0 years, with 67% women.
  • The mean age of the pancreatic cancer patients was 69.1 ± 10.0 years, with 27% women.
  • Significantly higher concentrations of IL-8, IL-17, and interferon-gamma were found in pancreatic cancer patients (p-value < 0.05).
  • Significantly higher levels of IL-4, IL-9, MCP-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-beta were found in pancreatic cancer patients with ccf-mtDNA levels above the median (p-value < 0.05).

Sources:

  • Circulating Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA and Inflammation in Older Adults with Pancreatic Cancer: Results from an Exploratory Study, Applied Sciences, 2025,15(8):4410.
  • University of Salento Researchers Yield New Study Findings on Pancreatic Cancer (Circulating Cell-Free Mitochondrial DNA and Inflammation in Older Adults with Pancreatic Cancer: Results from an Exploratory Study), Health & Medicine Week, May 16, 2025; p 8144.

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