Growth differentiation factor (GDF-15) concentration combined with Ca125 levels in serum is superior to commonly used cancer biomarkers in differentiation of pancreatic mass

Abstract

In conclusion, GDF-15 is more accurate than Ca19-9 in differentiating pancreatic mass due to chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Interleukin 17 and 23 cannot be considered as PDAC biomarkers. GDF-15 concentration in serum should be further investigated in order to assess their usefulness in pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosis.