A new initiative aimed at assessing a blood test for the early detection of pancreatic cancer is now recruiting participants.
The Safe-D study, taking place in Southampton is enrolling individuals with type 2 diabetes — a condition linked to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. It is supported by Wessex Health Partners, a regional partnership bringing together Integrated Care Boards, top universities and leading NHS organisations.
Preliminary research suggests that the Avantect blood test can identify markers of pancreatic cancer with approximately 68% accuracy. The test will be reviewed further at the Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit.
Initially, participants will provide blood samples to support the development of the primary trial phase. While previous research has explored other testing methods, such as urine analysis and the use of nematode worms, none have proven sufficiently accurate or dependable to warrant a nationwide screening effort.
If the pilot phase is successful, the team will then move on to a much larger phase of the study involving many more patients.
Pancreatic Cancer UK notes that the disease is challenging to detect due to its non-specific symptoms and often progresses rapidly, frequently leading to death within a few months of diagnosis.
