A test for pancreatic cancer may be of help in detecting the course of the disease. As new therapies are developed, a blood test for pancreatic cancer can be used for the purpose of monitoring the cancer growth or regression which could be very useful to monitor the progress of the patient.
Pancreatic Polypeptide secretion can be increased by endocrine-active tumors of the pancreas. Increased PP secretion has been frequently reported in patients with functioning and nonfunctioning pancreatic tumors that produce other endocrine peptides. PP levels are often elevated in patients with VIPomas, glucogonomas, gastrinomas, and insulinomas. Eriksson and colleagues found that PP levels were elevated in 74% of patients with endocrine pancreatic tumors and that this peptide serves as a good general marker for patients suspected of having pancreatic endocrine tumors.
The exact physiologic role of PP in healthy individuals has not been fully defined. It has been shown, however, that this peptide affects the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, water, and electrolytes. PP increases gastric emptying and gut motility. It also relaxes the pyloric and ileocecocolic sphincters, the colon, and gallbladder. PP levels increase after ingestion of food and remain elevated from 4-8 hours. Prolonged fasting, diabetes, and exercise can also increase PP levels. Serum PP levels can be elevated in as many as 50% of patients with carcinoid syndrome. Increased levels can also be found in patients with duodenal ulcers and in patients with type I diabetes. PP levels are often low in patients with pancreatic insufficiency or pancreatitis.
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