Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers because it is often detected at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. PanCAN launched its Early Detection Initiative (EDI) to investigate whether a rise in blood sugar, in combination with other clinical signs, could serve as an early indicator of the disease.

Building on previous research, EDI aims to determine whether identifying and closely monitoring patients with newly elevated blood sugar and weight loss and utilizing the ENDPAC (Enriching New-onset Diabetes for Pancreatic Cancer) risk score could lead to earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, better outcomes. The study reached a major milestone in January 2025, with full enrollment of more than 8,800 participants, and follow-up analyses are expected to provide deeper insight in the coming years.

In parallel, research funded in part by PanCAN, and involving many of the EDI investigators recently confirmed that people with glycemically-defined new-onset diabetes (GNOD) are at increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Data highlights important differences in risk across racial and ethnic groups.

Together, these efforts represent a bold step toward earlier detection and more equitable outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Recently I had the opportunity to interview my esteemed colleague Lynn Matrisian, PhD, MBA, Chief Science Advisor at PanCAN, who spearheaded EDI from the start. With this Q&A we had the chance to explore the motivation behind the EDI study, the significance of recent findings, and what the future may hold for early detection and screening.

Q&A

Anna: What was the motivation behind launching PanCAN’s Early Detection Initiative (EDI)?

Lynn: The primary motivation was the urgent need to improve pancreatic cancer survival by diagnosing patients earlier. With the currently available treatments, shifting even a portion of diagnoses to earlier stages could significantly improve overall survival. PanCAN recognized that while advancing treatment is vital, early detection efforts must happen in parallel. The EDI was created to explore promising early indicators such as a rise in blood sugar levels, which could signal pancreatic cancer before more common symptoms appear.

Anna: How does the EDI build on previous research, and what role did the ENDPAC score play in its development?

Lynn: The EDI builds directly on research led by Dr. Suresh Chari, who discovered that a new rise in blood sugar might signal pancreatic cancer. Initially studied at the Mayo Clinic, this concept evolved through the development of the ENDPAC score, which combines three clinical factors: age, change in blood sugar, and change in weight.

EDI takes this one step further by applying the ENDPAC score prospectively and offering imaging to a subset of individuals at elevated risk, helping researchers assess whether this model can meaningfully identify cancer earlier.

Anna: That’s fascinating, especially how the EDI builds on the ENDPAC score to enhance early detection. I imagine that testing such models across diverse populations is also crucial. With that in mind, what were some of the most surprising or significant findings from the recent GNOD study, particularly around racial and ethnic differences?

Lynn: In addition to confirming that a rise in blood sugar is an early warning sign of pancreatic cancer, one of the most significant findings was that the link between glycemically-defined new-onset diabetes (GNOD) and pancreatic cancer varied by race and ethnicity. While the original Mayo Clinic study population was predominantly white, the recent study included a much more diverse cohort, allowing for new insights.

The data suggested that GNOD was a stronger predictor of pancreatic cancer in non-Hispanic white individuals, while the association was less pronounced in African American, Hispanic, and Asian American/Pacific Islander populations. This finding underscores the importance of studying diverse populations and tailoring early detection strategies accordingly. We are eager to determine whether the additional clinical parameters incorporated into EDI, via the ENDPAC score, help enrich the likelihood of finding pancreatic cancer amongst the participants across racial and ethnic groups.

Anna: In January 2025, PanCAN’s EDI study reached a milestone by fully enrolling more than 8,800 participants. Why is this significant?

Lynn: Reaching full enrollment is a critical milestone in research. The scale and diversity of the EDI cohort allows for rigorous, prospective analysis of the ENDPAC model and other related early detection signals. Unlike retrospective studies, which rely on existing data, prospective studies follow participants in real time, offering stronger evidence of cause and effect. This large, well-characterized group will enable researchers to examine, over the next several years, whether early indicators like high blood sugar and weight loss truly lead to earlier diagnosis and ultimately better outcomes.

Anna: What message would you share with PanCAN’s donors and supporters about the impact of their contributions on early detection research?

Lynn: Donor support is absolutely vital to making this research possible. Studies like GNOD and EDI are multi-year, resource-intensive efforts that wouldn’t happen without funding. The recent GNOD study has now validated the foundational hypothesis behind EDI, showing a real signal worth pursuing. The upcoming results from EDI will take that one step further. This work brings us closer to a future where high-risk individuals can be flagged through routine testing and potentially diagnosed early, transforming the pancreatic cancer landscape. Thanks to our supporters, we are making real progress toward that goal.

Anna: Thank you, Lynn, for sharing such insightful perspectives and helping us better understand the importance and promise of early detection in pancreatic cancer.

This conversation highlights the incredible progress being made. As we await the results of the EDI in the coming years, it’s clear that this study and the dedicated researchers behind it have laid crucial groundwork for the future of pancreatic cancer detection and care. PanCAN’s unwavering commitment to early detection is reshaping what’s possible in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
Every data point, every enrolled participant, and every donor contribution brings us closer to a future where pancreatic cancer is no longer primarily a late-stage diagnosis. Together, we’re building hope and a roadmap for earlier detection, more personalized care, and better outcomes for all patients.

Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to spotlight the science and stories propelling this mission forward.

Editor’s note: The “Research Spotlight” series is written by Dr. Anna Berkenblit, PanCAN’s Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. Each month, Dr. Berkenblit shares her insights into the latest news and research in pancreatic cancer. Follow Dr. Berkenblit on X and LinkedIn.