Ex-vivo spectroscopic characterisation of the biological activity of pancreatic cyst fluid

Abstract

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are fluid-filled sacs often detected incidentally through abdominal imaging. While most PCLs are benign with no risk of progressing to pancreatic cancer (PC), a subset can undergo malignant transformation. Differentiating these benign lesions from those that pose a cancer risk remains challenging as current imaging methods and clinical guidelines lack sufficient specificity. Moreover, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying PCL development and progression is critical for optimizing patient management. Well-established PC cell lines and pancreatic cyst fluid (PCF)—the fluid within PCLs—offer valuable tools for studying how PCLs form and potentially transform into malignancies. Insights gained from such investigations could substantially refine patient risk stratification, helping to avoid unnecessary surveillance or treatment. Vibrational spectroscopy represents a promising adjunct to traditional diagnostic techniques, providing objective analysis of PCF and potential in-vivo applications. In this ex-vivo study, we developed a cell-line-based model coupled with vibrational spectroscopy to distinguish how PC cell lines respond to PCF exposure. Our findings demonstrate a robust assay that, with further refinement, may predict disease trajectory and guide precision medicine strategies for patients with PCLs.