Gene Discovery May Improve Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment

"Scientists say they can use small bits of genetic material called microRNA to spot key differences between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, aiding in earlier diagnosis for the lethal malignancy.
The researchers say doctors might also someday use microRNA to help predict the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.
The report is especially important, because pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers known, eventually killing almost all of the 33,000 Americans it affects each year.
The problem is that pancreatic tumors often grow very large without outward symptoms, leading to late diagnoses and poor patient outcomes.
But 'microRNA can help in the diagnosis,' said lead researcher Dr. Mark Bloomston, a professor of surgery at Ohio State University, Columbus. 'It could also, potentially have some prognostic implications,' he added."