The Use of Physics to Improve Pancreatic Cancer’s Early Detection

Posted by Hollie Williams on August 21st, 2019

The knowledge of the study of the magnetic moment of elementary particles is applied in the earlier detection of pancreatic cancer. Physicians have developed new imaging for early detection of cancer through innovative research; they have developed new strategies that will translate into useful technologies in the future. How is Physics used to enhance pancreatic cancer early detection?

•    Physics has developed a technology known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hyperpolarized metabolic MRI provides images 10,000 times more detailed compared to conventional MRI. The technology works in real-time with no ionizing radiation to determine the level of pancreatic cancer.  

•    Pancreatic cancer has low survival rates. The disease has vague symptoms, and its screening test lacks reliability. MRI looked at body cell's ability to break down sugar, metabolize, and nutrient differences. It shows that there is a notable difference between healthy cells and pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer cells break down nutrients in real-time, and physics helps doctors see clear pictures of these cells.

•    Researchers are hoping to use the technology to identify the early stages of a pancreatic tumor before it develops into cancer. Implementation of the use of hyperpolarized MRI will be an exciting opportunity. It will identify and understand metabolism abnormalizes and detect cancer cells. The technology will detect lesions and tumors that lead to pancreatic cancer. This imaging tool will be useful in metabolic screening for pancreatic cancer patients and high-risk individuals.

Physics has enabled doctors to perform blood tests and scans to determine tumor markers and improving imaging. The technology has also provided an avenue to study individuals that are at high risk of diagnosis and putting in place appropriate measures to minimize cancer.

Radiologists and scientists continue to work together to get the best from technology in the battle to detect pancreatic cancer in its earlier stages. Adherence to recommendations made by physics can significantly improve the lives of many patients.

About Author

The Sandler-Kenner Foundation was started by Gregory A. Echt, M.D. and his wife, Susan T. Echt, after they lost two of their dear friends, Michael and Peter, to premature deaths from pancreatic cancer.