Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) unveiled a groundbreaking blood test called PAC‑MANN—short for “protease activity‑based assay using a magnetic nanosensor”—on July 10, 2025. It can detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with 85% accuracy when used alongside the existing CA 19‑9 test.
PAC‑MANN works by measuring specific protease enzyme activity in the blood. These enzymes become elevated in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer. In laboratory tests, the assay accurately distinguished patients with pancreatic cancer from both healthy individuals and those with benign pancreatic conditions 98% of the time. When paired with the CA 19‑9 test, it achieved an 85% sensitivity rate for Stage 1 PDAC.
The test requires only a minimal blood sample—just 8 microliters—and provides results in approximately 45 minutes. Its simplicity and affordability are standout features; researchers estimate that each test will cost less than one cent to administer. This efficiency, combined with a compact setup, makes it ideal for widespread use, especially in community clinics, high-risk screening programs, and areas with limited access to advanced medical technologies.
OHSU aims to initiate clinical trials by the end of 2025. These trials will focus on high-risk individuals, including those with chronic pancreatitis, new-onset diabetes, or a family history of pancreatic cancer. Should the trials validate its accuracy and reliability, the test could become a standard component of annual health screenings. Experts are optimistic that such non-invasive methods will drastically improve early detection rates and patient outcomes.
Pancreatic cancer is known for being difficult to detect in its early stages and has a dismal five-year survival rate of around 13% across all stages. Earlier detection allows for more effective treatment and potentially reduces the need for aggressive interventions. This new test joins a wave of innovations in “liquid biopsy” technologies, which aim to diagnose cancers through blood-based biomarkers. However, some health professionals emphasize the importance of rigorous validation, citing concerns that poorly screened tests could lead to false positives or unwarranted treatment, similar to historical challenges with PSA testing for prostate cancer.
If the forthcoming clinical trials prove successful, PAC‑MANN could significantly alter the landscape of cancer diagnostics. By making pancreatic cancer more detectable at treatable stages, it has the potential to save thousands of lives and set a new standard for affordable, accessible early detection tools.
