Abstract
Regional intra-arterial chemotherapy (RIAC) is a potential alternative treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) with fewer adverse effects than other treatment options. However, specific biomarkers to determine the prognosis of patients with APC have thus far, been unsatisfactory. Glypican-1 (GPC1) in exosomes has been identified as an early diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the presence of GPC1 in extracellular vesicles (EVs) could serve as a predictor of RIAC outcome for patients with APC. EVs in circulation were isolated and the percentage of GPC1+ EVs was measured using flow cytometry. Compared with healthy individuals, the levels of GPC1+ EVs were significantly increased in patients with APC (P<0.01). Following RIAC treatment, the percentage of GPC1+ EVs was decreased (P=0.023). Furthermore, patients with APC exhibiting a greater decrease of GPC1+ EVs experienced improved overall survival (OS) rates. In summary, the present study provides insights into identifying GPC1 as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with APC following RIAC treatment.