Biomarker Resource Center
Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers
Reviewed by XpertPatient Medical Advisory · Updated June 2026 · Sources: NCI · ACS · ASCO · NIH/PMC
Start Here
What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a signal your cancer leaves behind. Doctors find these signals in your blood or tumor tissue. The signals tell your doctor important things — like what type of cancer you have and how it is behaving.
Think of it like a clue. Your doctor collects clues from your biomarker test results. Those clues help build a picture of your cancer. That picture helps your doctor and you have a more informed conversation about next steps.
Everyone’s cancer is different — even people with the same type of cancer can have very different results. That is why biomarker testing matters. It helps your care team understand your cancer specifically.
For Pancreatic Cancer
Why do biomarkers matter in pancreatic cancer?
Biomarker testing in pancreatic cancer helps your doctor understand your specific tumor. This includes both testing the tumor itself and testing for inherited gene changes. Both types of results can be important for your care conversation. Ask your doctor whether both types of testing have been done.
💬 A good question to ask your doctor: Ask your doctor whether inherited gene testing — including BRCA — has been done alongside your tumor testing. Both are commonly recommended for pancreatic cancer patients.
The most important pancreatic cancer biomarkers are BRCA mutation status and CA 19-9. Together they help your doctor understand your tumor’s biology, monitor treatment response, and identify whether certain targeted approaches may be worth discussing.
Patient Poll
Have you had biomarker testing for your pancreatic cancer?
The Tests Your Doctor May Order
🔍 Do you have an inherited gene change that may affect your care?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are inherited genes. A mutation in these genes is found in some pancreatic cancer patients. This result is important both for your care conversation and potentially for your family members. Ask your doctor whether BRCA testing has been done and what your result means.
🔍 Is a protein released by pancreatic cancer cells present in your blood?
CA 19-9 is a protein that pancreatic cancer cells commonly release into the blood. It is measured with a blood test and used to monitor how your cancer is responding over time. Note that not everyone produces CA 19-9. Ask your doctor what your CA 19-9 level means for your monitoring.
🔍 Is there a common mutation in your tumor?
KRAS mutations are found in most pancreatic cancers. This result gives your doctor important information about your tumor’s biology. Ask your doctor whether KRAS testing was done and what your result means for your care conversation.
Watch & Learn
Important: This page is for education only. It is not medical advice. Every patient’s situation is different. Please talk to your doctor or care team about what your biomarker results mean for you specifically.
Common Questions
Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers — Your Questions Answered
Should I ask about inherited gene testing?
Yes. Inherited gene testing — including BRCA — is commonly recommended for pancreatic cancer patients regardless of family history. Ask your doctor whether this has been done and what your results mean.
What does CA 19-9 tell my doctor?
CA 19-9 is used to track how your cancer is responding over time. Ask your doctor what your level means and how often it will be checked. Note that not everyone produces this marker.
What are clinical trials and should I ask about them?
Clinical trials are research studies that test new approaches. They can be an important option for some patients. Ask your doctor or visit clinicaltrials.gov to learn whether any trials may be relevant for your situation.
Is there a patient support community for pancreatic cancer?
Yes. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org offers patient services including a one-on-one Patient Services team that can help you navigate your diagnosis.
Quick Links
From the Pancreatic Cancer Center on XpertPatient
Have questions about your diagnosis?
XpertPatient is a free, survivor-led education resource for newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Visit the Pancreatic Cancer Center → Full Biomarkers Guide →
