From bench to bedside: pancreatic juice as a platform for biomarker discovery in pancreatic disease

Abstract

Pancreatic juice (PJ) analysis has emerged as a promising modality for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis. This review explores the role of PJ analysis in identifying biomarkers for the early detection and differentiation of pancreatic diseases. PJ, which is rich in pancreatic enzymes and exfoliated cellular material, can be collected endoscopically and is often stimulated by intravenous secretin to enhance its yield. Cytological, proteomic, and genomic analyses of PJ demonstrate its potential in the early detection and differential diagnosis of pancreatic pathologies. The integration of protein-based and genetic markers offers improved sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases. However, several challenges persist, including the need for standardized protocols for PJ collection, processing, and analysis. Despite these limitations, PJ analysis represents a valuable adjunct diagnostic approach that warrants further investigation and clinical validation.