Singapore: Scientists at the National Health Research Institute of Taiwan have discovered genetic markers that can predict the likelihood of surviving pancreatic cancer.

According to the NHRI, only about 20 percent of sufferers are diagnosed at a stage where localized surgery is feasible, and more than 80 percent who do have an operation die from relapse within five years.

The discovery of genetic markers linked to prognosis creates possibilities for patient-specific chemotherapy or other targeted interventions.