Researchers have developed a new lipid analysis method that could improve early detection of pancreatic cancer by identifying hidden changes in blood fat molecules. The technique combines advanced mass spectrometry with specialized software to detect detailed lipid structures that standard tests often miss.
The study analyzed 15 lipid classes, including ceramides and sphingomyelins, using a ZenoTOF 7600 mass spectrometer. Researchers validated the method with labeled yeast samples to confirm accuracy.
The workflow was tested on plasma samples from 20 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients and 20 healthy controls. Results showed significant reductions in specific sphingomyelins and ceramides in cancer patients. Researchers also found that certain lipid isomers changed differently in PDAC, suggesting that total lipid measurements alone may overlook important cancer signals.
The findings support evidence that KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer alters sphingolipid metabolism and suggest that deep lipid profiling could help identify highly specific biomarkers for earlier cancer detection.