Pancreatic cancer: Future challenges and new perspectives for an early diagnosis - Editorial

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven

This editorial comments on the case report by Furuya et al, addressing the difficult diagnosis of early pancreatic adenocarcinoma and the development of tools for earlier detection. Pancreatic cancer outcomes remain poor because diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages. Two main precancerous pathways are emphasized: mucinous cystic lesions (including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Research seeks high-risk identification using advanced imaging, yet survival remains limited and alternative screening approaches are under investigation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Editorial

Key focus: early pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis

Precancerous routes and high-risk identification

Imaging and endoscopic tools under investigation

Biomarkers and screening algorithm needs

| W | J | C | O | World Journal of
Clinical Oncology | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | Submit a Manuscript: [https://www.f6publishing.com](https://www.f6publishing.com) World J Clin Oncol 2025 February 24; 16(2): 97248 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v16.i2.97248 ISSN 2218-4333 (online) EDITORIAL Pancreatic cancer: Future challenges and new perspectives for an early diagnosis Silvia Cocca, Giuseppina Pontillo, Marinella Lupo, Raffaele Lieto, Margherita Marocchi, Maria Marsico, Emanuela Dell'Aquila, Santi Mangiafico, Giuseppe Grande, Rita Conigliaro, Helga Bertani Specialty type: Oncology Provenance and peer review: Invited article; Externally peer reviewed. Peer-review model: Single blind Peer-review report’s classification Scientific Quality: Grade A, Grade D Novelty: Grade A, Grade C Creativity or Innovation: Grade A, Grade C Scientific Significance: Grade A, Grade C P-Reviewer: Adnyana IMDM; Gugulothu D Received: May 29, 2024 Revised: September 27, 2024 Accepted: October 21, 2024 Published online: February 24, 2025 Processing time: 196 Days and 5.7 Hours Silvia Cocca, Marinella Lupo, Margherita Marocchi, Maria Marsico, Giuseppe Grande, Rita Conigliaro, Helga Bertani, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Modena 41121, Italy Giuseppina Pontillo, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero San Giuseppe Moscati (Aversa, CE)– ASL Caserta, Caserta 81100, Italy Raffaele Lieto, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80131, Campania, Italy Emanuela Dell'Aquila, Department of Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 0144, Italy Santi Mangiafico, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G Rodolico – San Marco”, Catania 95123, Sicilia, Italy Corresponding author: Giuseppina Pontillo, MD, Doctor, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero San Giuseppe Moscati (Aversa, CE)– ASL Caserta, Via Antonio Gramsci, 1, 81031, Caserta 81100, [Italy.](Italy. giu.pontillo@gmail.com)[ giu.pontillo@gmail.com](Italy. giu.pontillo@gmail.com) Abstract This editorial is a commentary on the case report by Furuya et al focusing on the challenging diagnosis of early pancreatic adenocarcinoma and new tools for an earlier diagnosis. Currently, pancreatic cancer still has a poor prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis in an advanced stage. Two main precancerous routes have been identified as pathways to pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The first encompasses a large group of mucinous cystic lesions: intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm, and the second is pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. In the last decade the focus of research has been to identify high-risk patients, using advanced imaging techniques (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasonography) which could be helpful in finding“indirect signs” of early stage pancreatic lesions. Nevertheless, the survival rate still remains poor, and alternative screening methods are under investigation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytology could be a promising tool for identifying precursor lesions such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, but confirming data are still needed to validate its role. Probably a combination of cross-sectional imaging, endoscopic techniques (old and new ones) and genetic and biological biomarkers WJCO [https://www.wjgnet.com](https://www.wjgnet.com) 1 February 24, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 2 Cocca S et al. Future challenges for earlier diagnosis of PC (also in pancreatic juice) could be the best solution to reach an early diagnosis. Biomarkers could help to predict and follow the progression of early pancreatic lesions. However, further studies are needed to validate their diagnostic reliability and to establish diagno

FAQs

Why is early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer challenging according to the editorial?

Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis largely because diagnosis is frequently made at late, advanced stages. Detecting early-stage disease or precancerous lesions remains difficult.

What precancerous pathways leading to pancreatic adenocarcinoma are highlighted?

The editorial identifies two main precancerous routes: mucinous cystic lesions (including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

Which advanced diagnostic approaches are discussed for earlier detection?

It describes research using advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography, and discusses endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytology.

What is the role of biomarkers and what further work is needed?

Biomarkers may help predict and monitor progression of early pancreatic lesions, but additional studies are needed to validate diagnostic reliability and define diagnostic algorithms to improve prognosis and survival.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven