Immunovia presents survey data showing strong patient support for blood-based tests to detect pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage

The ADHERE survey assessed current surveillance engagement, barriers to screening, and the acceptability of blood-based early detection among people at increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The analysis included eligible respondents aged 45 or older with at least one qualifying high-risk factor, such as a genetic mutation or a family history of pancreatic cancer. Approximately half were currently enrolled in a surveillance program and half were not. The survey was conducted among members of the advocacy group FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families facing hereditary cancer. The survey reflects self-reported practices and preferences among respondents at increased risk; it did not evaluate the accuracy or clinical performance of any blood-based test.

Over three-quarters of the survey respondents expressed willingness to take part in screening. However, that motivation has not translated into screening for many; only [45] percent of respondents were currently enrolled in a surveillance program, and roughly one-third (36%) had never undergone any pancreatic cancer screening test. The gap between high intention and actual uptake signals real demand for more accessible options, with cost being the most-cited barrier (18%) followed by anxiety about surveillance results (15%).

“As someone living with inherited cancer risk, I share our community’s deep concern about the limited screening options available for a cancer as deadly as pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed only after it has spread beyond the pancreas. The ADHERE survey helps us better understand the barriers that keep high-risk individuals from accessing surveillance, including cost, anxiety and other practical challenges. A blood-based test has the potential to make pancreatic cancer screening more accessible and acceptable, especially when used in conjunction with existing imaging options,” said Sue Friedman, Executive Director of FORCE.

The survey shows acceptance of a blood test was high: 91% were comfortable using one for early detection. 96% were likely to use it alongside their current imaging – preferring it as a complement to imaging over a replacement.

“The ADHERE results underscore that willingness to be screened for pancreatic cancer is not the hurdle in disease management – over three-quarters of respondents said they'd very likely enroll in an early-detection program if recommended, yet only 45 percent in this highly motivated survey population currently are. Another important finding is the near-universal acceptance of a blood test, and a preference for it as an addition to current surveillance. That reinforces our view that PancreaSure can be an important complement to imaging-based screening,” says Jeff Borcherding, CEO and President, Immunovia.

To learn more about Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), please follow the link: https://www.facingourrisk.org.

For more information, please contact:
Jeff Borcherding
CEO and President
jeff.borcherding@immunovia.com

Immunovia in brief
Immunovia AB is a diagnostic company whose mission is to increase survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer through early detection. Immunovia is focused on the development and commercialization of simple blood-based testing to detect proteins and antibodies that indicate a high-risk individual has developed pancreatic cancer. Immunovia collaborates and engages with healthcare providers, leading experts and patient advocacy groups to make its test available to individuals at increased risk for pancreatic cancer.
 
USA is the world’s largest market for detection of pancreatic cancer. The Company estimates that in the USA, 1.8 million individuals are at high-risk for pancreatic cancer and could benefit from annual surveillance testing.

Immunovia’s shares (IMMNOV) are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please visit. www.immunovia.com.