Pancreatic cancer, a highly lethal digestive tract malignancy, has a 5-year survival rate below 10%, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. Over 80% of patients present with advanced disease, rendering them ineligible for curative surgery and facing a median survival of merely 6 months. Globally, pancreatic cancer ranks fourth in cancer-related mortality, with incidence nearly equaling mortality rates. Despite its clinical urgency, advancements in detection and treatment remain inadequate. Early diagnosis is pivotal to improving outcomes, as timely intervention may significantly prolong survival. This review synthesizes recent progress in identifying biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, emphasizing their potential to enhance early detection, guide therapeutic strategies, and ultimately reduce disease burden. Key findings highlight emerging biomarkers as critical tools for addressing this 21st-century oncological challenge.
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