I personally feel that biomarkers and specifically SA 18-8 tumor markers should be included in pancreatic cancer diagnostic blood draws. However, insurance carriers will not cover the approximate $500 cost because most oncologists feel they are not reliable indicators because of too many false positives or false negatives. Yet after cancer detection, SA 18-8 is specifically used as the measurement tool to assist in treatment procedures. In my personal opinion, after pre-diabetic or diabetic onset, there needs to be a diagnostic biometric measurement within a few years, because of the direct relationship of insulin production in the pancreas and increases in glucose. It is obvious that early detection and treatment would increase the survival rate of diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients.
SA18-8 = CA19-9