Written by Federico Citterich
A national network of Pancreas Units is taking shape in Italy to tackle the growing burden of pancreatic cancer – an initiative that underscores the importance of early diagnosis, at the heart of the Italy-born LaserBlood project
Each year, approximately 15,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in Italy. Of these patients, only 5% survive beyond five years – a figure that underscores the devastating impact of this disease. Alarmingly, both incidence and mortality rates are projected to rise significantly over the next three decades. As one of the most challenging forms of cancer to detect and treat, pancreatic cancer continues to pose a formidable threat to public health, as we explained in our previous article Pancreatic Cancer: An Invisible Killer.
Why is pancreatic cancer difficult to diagnose and treat?
Difficulties in Diagnosis:
- Anatomical Location: The pancreas is situated deep within the abdomen, surrounded by other organs, making physical examination and early detection challenging.
- Absence of Early Symptoms: Early stages of pancreatic cancer often present no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and weight loss do appear, the disease is typically advanced.
- Lack of Effective Screening Tools: Unlike some other cancers, there are no reliable screening tests for early detection of pancreatic cancer in asymptomatic individuals.
Challenges in Treatment:
- Aggressive Nature and Rapid Spread: Pancreatic cancer tends to metastasize early, often spreading to vital structures and distant organs before diagnosis, limiting treatment options.
- Surgical Challenges: The tumor’s proximity to critical blood vessels and organs can make surgical removal difficult or unfeasible.
- Resistance to Therapies: Pancreatic tumors often develop resistance to chemotherapy and targeted treatments. The dense stromal tissue surrounding the tumor can impede drug delivery, and the tumor microenvironment may suppress immune responses, reducing the effectiveness of immunotherapies
These data highlight the urgent need for specialized treatment centers equipped with dedicated expertise. At present, a considerable number of Italian hospitals continue to perform pancreatic cancer surgeries without the requisite experience or specialization, compromising patient outcomes.
In response, healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups have long called for the establishment of dedicated Pancreas Units – centers modeled on the successful example of certified Breast Units for breast cancer. These facilities would be entrusted with the full spectrum of pancreatic cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, supported by cutting-edge medical technologies and multidisciplinary teams capable of providing comprehensive, specialized care.
On February 4, 2025, Italian Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci formally approved the final plan from the national Steering Committee for the creation of a network of Pancreas Units across the country.
Orazio Schillaci, Italy’s Minister of Health
To obtain official accreditation, Pancreas Units must meet stringent criteria: perform a minimum of 30 pancreatic resections annually (rising to 50 within three years); maintain a 90-day post-operative mortality rate below 10% (reduced to 5% after three years); and achieve a three-year survival rate of at least 35%. Healthcare facilities will have a three-year period to meet these benchmarks, supported by regional networks and targeted training programs.
A cornerstone of this initiative is scientific research, recognized as essential for ensuring patient access to the most advanced therapies and for fostering the development of new treatments and more effective early diagnostic tools. It is within this broader context that the LaserBlood project operates, contributing to the advancement of technologies aimed at improving the early detection of pancreatic cancer – an area that remains critical to enhancing survival rates and reducing the disease’s overall burden.