Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers, with only about a 13% five-year survival rate. The main challenges are late diagnosis and strong resistance to treatment. Researchers are improving early detection by combining traditional markers like CA 19-9 with new methods such as microRNAs, DNA methylation, and liquid biopsy tests that analyze tumor DNA in the blood. These approaches can track mutations like KRAS and TP53 in real time, while artificial intelligence helps identify hidden patterns in patient data for earlier diagnosis.
A major barrier to treatment is the tumor’s dense, scar-like environment, which blocks drugs and suppresses the immune system. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and other cells create a “cold” immune environment that helps tumors survive. At the same time, key mutations keep cancer growth pathways constantly active, making it harder to stop the disease.
New treatment strategies focus on combining therapies, including drugs that break down tumor barriers and immune therapies like PD-1 inhibitors and vaccines to strengthen immune response. Researchers are also using genetic profiling to match patients with targeted treatments.