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The Potential of Fecal and Urinary Biomarkers for Early Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

Talha Arif, Faran Nazir, Raja Faizan Aurangzeb, Mubashir Hussain, Raja Faizan Aurangzeb, Abdur Rehman, Kabeer Kumar, Rabia Islam et al.

Cureus, 2024

3 citations

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the urgent need for early detection strategies. This systematic review explores the potential of fecal and urinary biomarkers for early PDAC detection. A comprehensive search identified eight relevant studies investigating various biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, microbial profiles, DNA mutations, and non-coding RNAs. Promising findings suggest that urinary biomarkers related to metabolic alterations, inflammatory processes, fecal microbiome profiles, and fecal miRNAs hold diagnostic potential even at early stages of PDAC. Combining biomarkers into panels may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Challenges such as validation in larger cohorts, standardization of protocols, and regulatory approval must be addressed for clinical translation. Despite these hurdles, non-invasive urinary and fecal biomarkers represent a promising avenue for improving PDAC outcomes through early detection.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.

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