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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
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Detection of Cell-Free DNA in Blood Plasma Samples of Cancer Patients
Published on: September 9, 2020
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Circulating Cell-Free DNA as a Potential Diagnostic Tool in Pancreatic Cancer: A Comparative Analysis
Romualdas Riauka1,2, Rita Kupcinskaite-Noreikiene3, Ingrida Grabauskyte4
1Department of Surgery, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
Digestive Surgery
|September 23, 2025
Summary
Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) levels are significantly higher in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients compared to healthy individuals and those with chronic pancreatitis. This finding suggests cfDNA may help differentiate PDAC in liquid biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis often relies on invasive methods.
- Liquid biopsies offer a noninvasive approach for tumor material sampling.
- Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis shows potential in predicting PDAC progression and treatment response, but data remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of cfDNA levels in distinguishing PDAC from other conditions.
- To evaluate the correlation between cfDNA levels and PDAC tumor characteristics or survival rates.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included newly diagnosed PDAC patients, chronic pancreatitis patients, and healthy controls.
- Pretreatment blood samples were collected for cfDNA extraction and measurement.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare cfDNA levels across groups.
Main Results:
- cfDNA levels were significantly elevated in PDAC patients compared to chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.032) and healthy controls (p < 0.001).
- Established cfDNA cut-off values for distinguishing PDAC were 23.65 ng/mL (vs. chronic pancreatitis) and 22.9 ng/mL (vs. healthy controls).
- No significant correlation was found between cfDNA levels and tumor characteristics or survival outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsies utilizing cfDNA alterations can potentially differentiate PDAC from benign inflammatory diseases and healthy states.
- Further research is required for comprehensive validation of cfDNA as a diagnostic marker for PDAC.
