Scientists at Duke University in the United States have discovered a set of biomarkers that can help distinguish whether pancreatic cysts worsen into cancer or remain benign. On this basis, doctors are expected to eliminate the tumor before it spreads, thus reducing the incidence rate of pancreatic cancer. The research is published in the latest issue of the journal "Progress in Science". Researchers have focused their attention on precancerous cysts, intraductal papillary mucinous tumors (IPMN). Most IPMNs will never worsen to pancreatic cancer, but by distinguishing which will worsen to pancreatic cancer, they will have the opportunity to prevent the deterioration of pancreatic cancer. The latest research uses a complex molecular biological tool called "digital spatial RNA mapping" to locate specific regions where cysts occur. The previous methods describing IPMN are not accurate enough to identify biomarkers that can accurately reveal the risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the new digital spatial analysis method enables researchers to analyze a single cell group and identify a series of gene mutations related to the deterioration of pancreatic cancer. The research team identified markers that distinguish between the two main variants of IPMN and identified markers that can define a third common variant, which typically does not cause serious illness. Researchers found markers that can reveal pancreatic cancer in the area around the cyst. "If they can identify these unique markers in the cyst fluid, they can provide evidence for protein biopsies to guide whether the cyst should be removed before the cancer develops and spreads.". Pancreatic cancer, known as the "king of cancer", is one of the cancers with the highest mortality rate. At present, the overall accuracy of diagnostic strategies for pancreatic cancer, including clinical, radiological, laboratory, endoscopic and cytological analysis, is about 60%, and the cure rate of pancreatic cancer is relatively low. At present, it is not clear what causes the increase of incidence rate of pancreatic cancer. Some studies show that inflammation plays a role. Researchers are testing whether anti-inflammatory therapy can slow down the deterioration of cancer in patients with IPMN. (Liao Xinshe)