[China Tech] World's First Genetic Testing Kit for Pancreatic Cancer Developed in Shanghai

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Experts from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center have announced the successful development of a genetic testing kit for pancreatic cancer, offering a precise approach to one of the most lethal forms of cancer.

The kit, capable of detecting six mutated genes related to pancreatic cancer, has been approved for use by the Shanghai Medical Products Administration.

It is China's first batch of in vitro diagnostic reagents developed by a hospital and is also the world's first hospital-developed genetic testing kit specifically for pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is known for its high malignancy, rapid progression, and lack of noticeable symptoms in the early stage. Many patients are not diagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced phase, missing the optimal window for surgery.

"Even if we miss the optimal timing for surgery, treatment remains possible. Based on genetic sequencing, targeted therapy and immunotherapy can also be highly effective. Therefore, an efficient and accurate genetic testing method is crucial in clinical practice," said Dr Yu Xianjun, president of the cancer center and a leading pancreatic cancer surgeon.

"Traditional testing methods usually focus on a single gene, which fails to capture the full spectrum of key mutations and may overlook some alterations if coverage is insufficient. They also tend to be time-consuming and less accurate," he explained.

To address these problems, Yu led a multidisciplinary team in developing a more accurate, rapid, and comprehensive testing solution.

After three years of research, the team successfully created a testing kit that covers six key genetic mutations in pancreatic cancer, significantly improving both accuracy and efficiency.

"With this kit, we can provide each patient with a precise genetic profile to guide personalized treatment plans and gain valuable time for earlier intervention," Yu added.

The kit is approved for use only at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

If you go

Visit the pancreatic surgery department of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

Xuhui Branch 徐汇院区

Address: 270 Dong'an Rd (Xuhui branch) | 徐汇区东安路270号

Pudong Branch 浦东院区

4333 Kangxin Rd (Pudong branch)｜浦东新区康新公路4333号