Imaging for Early Detection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Updates and Challenges in the Implementation of Screening and Surveillance Programs

Chenchan Huang, Elizabeth M Hecht, Erik V Soloff, Hina Arif Tiwari, Priya R Bhosale, Anil Dasayam, Samuel J Galgano, Avinash Kambadakone, Naveen M Kulkarni, Ott Le, Joy Liau, Lyndon Luk, Michael H Rosenthal, Guillermo P Sangster, Ajit H Goenka

AJR Am J Roentgenol . 2024 Aug;223(2):e2431151. doi: 10.2214/AJR.24.31151. Epub 2024 May 29.

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most aggressive cancers. It has a poor 5-year survival rate of 12%, partly because most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, precluding curative surgical resection. Early-stage PDA has significantly better prognoses due to increased potential for curative interventions, making early detection of PDA critically important to improved patient outcomes. We examine current and evolving early detection concepts, screening strategies, diagnostic yields among high-risk individuals, controversies, and limitations of standard-of-care imaging.