Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers have identified RNF43 as a potential biomarker to predict which cancers will respond to Wnt inhibitor therapies. This discovery brings personalized medicine in cancer therapy closer to reality, offering new hope for targeted treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate that selectively recognizes and penetrates pancreatic tumors, reducing tumor size and metastasis. The treatment, which uses MRI-based molecular imaging to monitor its effect, shows promise as a more precise approach than existing treatments.
Pancreatic cancer cells use nerve growth factor to signal nerves to grow into dense tumors and secrete nutrients like serine. This allows the cancer cells to multiply despite nutrient starvation, highlighting a unique adaptation that contributes to their deadliness.
A new study creates a detailed portrait of the immune response in pancreatic cancer, highlighting individual differences and pointing to the need for tailored treatments. The research identifies a potential biomarker, TIGIT, that may be targeted by future therapies.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting KRAS gene mutations in lung, bowel and pancreatic cancers. In mice studies, vaccinated animals showed improved survival rates compared to unvaccinated ones.
Researchers developed a simple blood test to distinguish between pancreatic cancers that respond to treatment and those that do not. The test detects the levels of a sugar called sTRA, which is produced by a certain subtype of cancer and escapes into the bloodstream.
Researchers developed a novel epigenomic approach to detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages using blood draws, identifying distinctive patterns in thousands of genes that serve as biomarkers. This technology has the potential to lead to more timely treatment and improved patient survival.
Researchers define two molecular subtypes of pancreatic carcinoma with distinct aggressiveness, differing in the origin and development. The study reveals a novel mechanism called viral mimicry that promotes cancer growth and metastasis.
A new study analyzed 1,435,350 patients with concurrent diabetes and obesity over a 20-year period. Bariatric surgery was found to significantly reduce the prevalence of pancreatic cancer (0.32% vs 0.19%, p<0.05) in obese diabetic patients. The majority of patients who underwent surgery were female.
A Yale professor has received a $500,000 grant to develop a versatile and highly scalable strategy for treating pancreatic cancer. The technology, called MAEGI, targets multiple differences in cancer cells and activates multiple immune system responses.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing to genetically identify cell types and subtypes in pancreatic tumors and surrounding stroma. The study identified distinct cell populations, including tumor cells, immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, which correlated with patient clinical outcomes.
Researchers found that changing gene expression first can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapies in battling aggressive pancreatic cancer. The study suggests a promising approach by administering an epigenetically-acting drug before immune checkpoint inhibition, doubling average survival time in preclinical models.
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of current clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, revealing that most trials focus on immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The authors conclude that these approaches have yet to strongly impact the disease, emphasizing the need for new discoveries and biomarkers.
A team of researchers identified specific therapeutic targets for adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas (ASCP), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer. The study used multiple analysis methods to identify mutations and genomic variants, including FGFR signaling and RORC, which could be targeted by existing drugs.
A new drug developed by University of Sheffield researchers could block signals from a hormone that helps cancer cells grow and spread, potentially improving life expectancy and quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients. The compound targets a specific receptor in cancer cells without affecting vital bodily processes.
Researchers discovered increased levels of neuroprotein sortilin in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. Sortilin's expression was found higher in female patients and contributed to invasive properties of pancreatic cancer cells.
Researchers found an association between recent weight loss and increased pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with diabetes, especially those with a longer duration of diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining weight loss may be crucial in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with diabetes.
The COMBAT trial, a phase IIa clinical trial, has shown promising results with pembrolizumab and BL-8040 combination therapy, achieving a 32% meaningful tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This response rate is double that of traditional chemotherapy, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a novel drug target, PPP1R1B, that stops the spread of pancreatic cancer in mice. Increased levels of this protein have been found in tumor samples from people with metastatic pancreatic cancer, suggesting it has therapeutic potential.
Researchers have developed a mouse model of pancreatic cancer that replicates two subtypes of the disease, classifying them as classical PDAC and basal PDAC. The study reveals key genes driving the aggressive nature of basal PDAC, offering potential targets for therapy.
Researchers at Okayama University developed a novel 3D cell culture model that accurately replicates the fibrotic components of pancreatic cancer. The model allows for the tuning of fibrosis levels, enabling a better understanding of how it hinders cancer treatment and its therapeutic ramifications.
A new clinical trial has tested a cocktail of chemotherapy drugs for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, showing a median survival time of 14.5 months and a 1-year survival rate of 60.9%. The treatment strategy involves injections of paclitaxel into the abdomen and gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel into the blood.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that surgical delays of 30-40 days are associated with shorter survival times in patients with colon cancer. For pancreatic and gastric cancers, the results indicate that longer surgical delays may increase cancer progression and worsen patient outcomes.
A study using electronic health records found that AI can predict who is at higher risk of pancreatic cancer up to 20 months before diagnosis. The model could help narrow down the number of people needed to be screened, potentially reducing false positives and improving survival rates.
A new study has discovered a direct link between mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and the KRAS oncogene, driving the formation of pancreatic cancer. The research provides insight into the mechanism that regulates cell activity, offering potential therapeutic targets for future development.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that a combination therapy using SapC-DOPS nanovesicles and standard chemotherapy may improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that this approach could potentially extend lives and provide hope to patients with limited treatment options.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have shown that a protein called Slug regulates cell movement and can be inhibited to suppress pancreatic cancer metastasis. The study also identified two druggable targets, ERK and eIF2 alpha, which hold promise as treatments for the deadly disease.
An exploratory study found that metformin combined with rapamycin was well-tolerated in patients with stable or responding metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDA) after 6 months of chemotherapy. The combination was associated with exceptionally long survival rates and improved disease stability.
The study recommends prioritizing pancreatic surgery for non-COVID-19 patients and informing them of additional risks. Surgeons also emphasize the need for protective features in operating rooms and proper triage for hospital resources during the pandemic.
A key cell signaling pathway drives cancer-associated muscle loss, and targeting this pathway with a drug like GKT137831 could prevent cachexia. The study found that restoring SIRT1 levels can prevent muscle degeneration and extend the life of mice with pancreatic cancer
The UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded a $5.75 million grant to study the role of obesity in the development of pancreatic cancer. The research aims to understand how inflammation from obesity influences tumor formation and develop prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.
Researchers discovered how pancreatic cells lose their identity and recruit nearby cells to help them grow and invade tissues. Transcription factors ZBED2 and p63 play a key role in this process, leading to aggressive cancer behavior.
Fibroblasts from distinct pancreatic diseases exhibit distinct genetic profiles and gene expression patterns, highlighting the importance of using disease-specific fibroblasts for research. The study also identifies a potential biomarker for distinguishing between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis.
Researchers at City of Hope have identified a novel microRNA biomarker that can detect lymph node metastases in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which makes up about 80% of all pancreatic cancer cases. The test has an accuracy level of 78% and could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients.
A CNIO-led European study has confirmed that diabetes type 3c is an early manifestation of pancreatic cancer, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study found that pancreatic cancer is the cause of the development of diabetes type 3c in 26% of cases.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania activate G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in human and mouse pancreatic cancer models, inhibiting growth and making tumors more sensitive to immunotherapy. This approach may improve efficacy of existing treatments in a type where PD-1 inhibitors have been ineffective.
Researchers at Houston Methodist developed a clinically-applicable mathematical model to predict patient outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. The model uses CT-scan imaging data to identify patient-specific indicators of therapeutic response, correlating with anti-tumor immune state and tumor kill rates.
Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells use autophagy to degrade MHC-I proteins, making them resistant to immunotherapies. Blocking autophagy or using drugs like chloroquine enhances MHC-I expression on the surface of cancer cells, increasing their susceptibility to immunotherapy.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover formation of tuft cells during pancreatitis, which secrete IL-25 to promote immune response. The finding may lead to development of new treatments for pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers developed a liquid biopsy blood test that detects pancreatic cancer earlier and more accurately than existing biomarkers. The test outperforms imaging alone in staging disease, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Regular aspirin use is linked to reduced risk of bowel, oesophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. Aspirin doses between 75-500mg/day are associated with increased cancer risk reduction.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found a new way to kill pancreatic cancer cells by disrupting their pH equilibrium. Suppressing NHE7 lowers the cell's cytoplasmic pH, triggering cell death in both human and mouse tumors. This approach could provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating pancreatic cancer.
A new study found that starving pancreatic cancer cells of cysteine leads to their death by ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. The compound was shown to be effective in mice with pancreatic cancer and may lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.
A new study found that a novel peptide antagonist given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor is safe and well-tolerated in patients with advanced, refractory pancreatic and rectal cancer. The highest dose tested resulted in no adverse events leading to the recommendation for use in future trials.
Researchers developed a microRNA-based signature that predicts local-regional failure and overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. The four-miRNA risk score provides prognostic information for clinical outcomes after surgical resection.
The Oncotarget review explores the use of biomarkers, CA19-9, gemcitabine-abraxane, FOLFIRINOX, and other treatments to identify patients who benefit most from therapy in pancreatic cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand pancreatic cancer biology and improve prognosis.
Researchers developed a new concept of resectability and identified objective pre-operative prognostic factors to predict long-term survival in pancreatic cancer patients. The study's nomogram can estimate patient outcomes before surgery, regardless of local anatomic features.
A study published in Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer found that introducing bone marrow cells with a specific gene deletion can induce an immune response against prostate and pancreatic cancer cells. The technique, known as adoptive cell therapy, uses patients' own marrow cells to target cancer.
The Pancreatic Cancer Collective has awarded $16 million to four research teams pursuing preclinical work and clinical trials for new pancreatic cancer treatments. These breakthroughs aim to improve the five-year survival rate of 9%.
Results from 46 patients who received targeted therapies alongside standard chemotherapy showed a 31-month average survival compared to 18 months for those without molecular changes. Targeted therapy has already improved survival for many forms of cancer and could be a game-changer for pancreatic cancer patients with specific alterations.
Researchers have found a promising candidate to advance pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), particularly ILC2s. Activating ILC2s with interleukin 33 (IL-33) enhances antitumor activity, which may complement existing checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers developed a pancreatic tumor model that condenses cancer development to just two weeks, allowing them to observe trends in cell growth and invasion. The study found that cancer cells from different mutations become more invasive when they grow together, which challenges the current understanding of disease progression.
Scientists have identified a peptide from the foot-and-mouth-disease virus that targets a protein on pancreatic cancer cells, allowing for highly potent drug delivery and complete tumour killing in mice. The research offers a promising new approach to treating pancreatic cancer with limited side effects.
A team at Tohoku University discovered that BACH1 facilitates pancreatic cancer spread by reducing cell-to-cell adhesion. Silencing or overexpressing BACH1 in pancreatic cancer cells reduced metastasis and improved survival rates.
Research found that high CO2 levels drive the aggressiveness of pancreatic tumor cells and their resistance to treatment. Increasing CO2 levels in cell cultures also showed increased growth and aggression, while common chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy were less effective against high-CO2-cultured cells.
UK scientists have discovered a potential new treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer by targeting energy production in cells, leading to an irreversible build-up of calcium and cell death. The approach involves inhibiting a specific enzyme called PKM2, which fuels calcium pumps on the cell surface.
Researchers identified five distinct subtypes of advanced pancreatic cancer with unique molecular properties that can be targeted with novel treatments. The study's findings may lead to improved clinical outcomes and personalized treatment decisions for patients with the deadly disease.
Researchers found that pancreatic tumor cells secrete interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to reduce anti-cancer immune responses, promoting PDA tumor growth. Blocking IL-1β with an antibody treatment doubled T cell infiltration and increased PD-1 blockade efficacy by 40%.
Researchers have developed drug-like molecules from a tropical flower that kill pancreatic cancer cells, offering a potential new route for treatment. The findings suggest these 'anti-austerity' agents could remove the ability of cancer cells to tolerate starvation conditions, leading to cell death.
Pancreatic cancer cells use a process called macropinocytosis to engulf nutrients, which are then broken down into building blocks for cell growth. The study identified key molecular steps involved in boosting this process, including the activation of protein kinase A and v-ATPase.