Circulating IncRNA DRAIC as a potential serum biomarker for predicting lymphatic and vascular spread in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, largely due to delayed diagnosis and early dissemination. Identifying reliable serum biomarkers could enhance early detection and risk stratification. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognised as regulators of tumour biology; however, the clinical and biochemical relevance of lncRNA DRAIC in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 100 patients diagnosed with pathologically confirmed pancreatic cancer and 100 ageand sex-matched controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to quantify the circulating DRAIC expression levels. We analysed the associations between serum DRAIC levels and clinicopathological characteristics, including vascular involvement and lymph node metastasis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic and predictive performance of DRAIC. Paired serum samples obtained before and after surgical resection were additionally analysed.