Major Progress in Developing Simple Blood Test for Earlier Bile Duct Cancer Detection in PSC
Major Progress in Developing Simple Blood Test for Earlier Bile Duct Cancer Detection in PSC
Professor Jesús Bañales and Dr Pedro Rodrigues
We are delighted to share an exciting update on our international research project, which aims to create a simple, non-invasive blood test to help predict and detect cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer, or CCA for short) risk in people with PSC earlier.
In the first half of this global collaboration, led by Dr Pedro Rodrigues and Professor Jesús Bañales, significant progress has been made. The team collected blood samples from over 800 PSC patients from collaborating hospitals and research centres across the world. They measured levels of promising blood proteins (biomarkers) that showed potential in their earlier work. Encouragingly, these biomarkers continue to differentiate between individuals at higher risk and those with early-stage cancer, even within this larger and more diverse cohort. Comparison groups, including those with benign biliary conditions, were also included to enhance the test's accuracy.
This work directly addresses the urgent need for better surveillance tools, a priority we have emphasised along with the rest of the global PSC community. There is immense value in early diagnosis because that is when treatment is most likely to be effective.
The second phase will focus on completing detailed statistical analyses, developing a user-friendly online tool for clinicians, and preparing the findings for publication.
Our long-term goal is to translate these incredible discoveries into a practical, cost-effective blood test that can be used globally, empowering PSC patients and their physicians with better tools to monitor cancer risk and detect CCA when it is most treatable.
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Organisational excellence: We simplified our personal data consent process and streamlined how we record patient stories to ensure that the lived experiences of our community are captured accurately and securely to inform future work.
Progressing Research: We coordinated a series of upcoming meetings with international researchers and pharmaceutical companies, which supports better informed decisions for people with PSC, research, or care. This groundwork helps keep PSC research focused on the primary needs of the patient community.
Progressing Research: We reviewed and contributed to scientific abstracts and posters for the upcoming EASL international liver congress, which strengthens the quality of future research for people with PSC, research, or care.
Progressing Research: We engaged with the MHRA to prepare for the upcoming national consultation on rare disease therapies, representing PSC patients in the wider community. Maintaining this direct dialogue ensures our organisation is prepared to respond formally and protect the interests of those living with PSC
Improving Care: We presented about what it is really like to live with PSC to gastroenterologists This first-hand insight equips healthcare professionals to better understand the day-to-day challenges of PSC.
Income Generation: We secured a place in the prestigious Big Give Small Charity Week match-funding campaign, so that we can maximise future donations from our supporters as every donation between 22 and 29 June will be doubled!
Progressing Research: We recruiting for a research and advocacy officer to expand our core team. This additional capacity ensures we can better support scientific studies and represent the patient voice at every level.