Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers at CNIO discovered that a gene controlling inflammation also increases pancreatic cancer risk. The study suggests new strategies for prevention and detection of the disease.
A recent study published in Nature revealed that gene duplication plays a crucial role in explaining the aggressiveness and early metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Researchers discovered that specific gene amplifications occur along various evolutionary pathways of the cancer, leading to tumor development.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have successfully modified a common flu virus to target and kill pancreatic cancer cells. The new technique could potentially become a promising new treatment for patients with the aggressive disease.
Researchers link oral health to cancer prevention via bacteria associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis may facilitate the spread of oral bacteria and their virulence factors to other parts of the body, contributing to cancer development.
A new study published in Cancer Cell suggests that stress accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer by triggering the release of 'fight-or-flight' hormones. Beta-blockers, commonly used medications that inhibit these hormones, were found to increase survival in a mouse model of the disease.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered an inverse correlation between a known oncogene and tumor suppressant, leading to extended survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients. A novel nanoparticle delivery system selectively targets cancer cells, rendering them dormant or eradicating the tumor altogether.
A study published in Journal of Cell Biology identifies SUV420H2 as an epigenetic orchestrator of pancreatic cancer cells' aggressive behavior. Reducing SUV420H2 levels makes pancreatic cancer cells more vulnerable to existing therapies.
Researchers at TGen and Baylor Scott & White Research Institute are developing an early detection system for pancreatic cancer using a non-invasive blood test. The goal is to identify patients before symptoms appear or spread, improving mortality rates.
A new molecular test detects telomere fusions in pancreatic tumor and cyst fluid samples to predict high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer. This assay helps physicians determine whether lesions require surgical resection or can be safely monitored.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center identified a substance called Gdf-15, released by pancreatic cancer cells, that protects them from immune cell macrophages. GDF-15 inhibits nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor production in macrophages, allowing tumor cells to survive and grow.
The Sabga Foundation has pledged $1 million to support a clinical trial at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in testing revolutionary new treatments for pancreatic cancer. This initiative aims to find answers to eradicate this devastating disease, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide.
Researchers found that FAIMS technology can effectively differentiate between pancreatic cancer patients and healthy individuals, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 75%, respectively. The test is non-invasive, affordable, and can analyze up to 20 urine samples per hour.
A research team led by BU School of Medicine professor Avrum Spira is developing diagnostic tools to intercept lung cancer at its earliest stage using innovative approaches like nasal swabs and blood tests. The goal is to confirm whether lung abnormalities found on chest imaging are benign lung disease or signs of cancer.
Researchers identified four genes - KRAS, CDKN2A, SMAD4, and TP53 - that influence pancreatic cancer survival. Patients with three or four altered genes had poorer disease-free and overall survival rates compared to those with single or dual alterations.
Research shows long-term aspirin use significantly reduces digestive cancer incidence, with substantial reductions in liver and oesophageal cancers. Aspirin use also shows promise in reducing risk of certain other cancers, while raising cardiovascular risk when stopped.
Researchers discovered a protein-cleaving enzyme called FAP that plays a role in shaping the physical nature of the stroma, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Deleting or inhibiting FAP in mouse models of pancreatic cancer slowed disease progression and reduced cancer spread to other organs.
Pancreatic cancer is a deadly and lethal disease with an 8% 5-year relative survival rate. Researchers at UC San Diego Health, in partnership with other institutions, have received a $7 million grant to develop new ways to prevent the disease, which comprises 3% of all cancer cases but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death.
Researchers from four top teams receive funding to tackle cancers of the lung and pancreas using a new 'interception' approach, targeting precancerous cells before they turn into cancer cells. The initiative aims to catch cancers early, when treatment is more successful.
Scientists have successfully synthesized a promising anticancer molecule, BE-43547A(2), which shows unprecedented activity against pancreatic cancer stem cells. The compound reduces cancer stem cell proliferation by 21-fold and abolishes tumor-initiating capability.
The study found a near doubling of median overall survival (27.8 months) and no grade 3 or higher toxicities for patients receiving higher radiation doses with adaptive MR guided radiation therapy, compared to those receiving lower doses via non-adaptive treatments.
A new clinical trial, led by TGen's Dr. Von Hoff, will pair an immunotherapy drug with a Vitamin D Receptor agonist to treat pancreatic cancer. The study aims to remodel the tumor microenvironment and improve the delivery of immunotherapy.
Researchers at Salk Institute have discovered that modified vitamin D can reprogram the tumor environment, allowing Keytruda to invade and destroy pancreatic tumors. The clinical trial aims to combine vitamin D with immunotherapy for a potential game-changer in pancreatic cancer treatment.
A Stanford-led study discovered a specific mutation in the p53 gene that enhances its anti-tumor activity, creating a 'super tumor suppressor' that protects against pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that this mutant hyperactivates p53, leading to a surge of activity in downstream target genes.
A recent study by Tal Danino at the Data Science Institute demonstrates that bacteria in pancreatic tumors degrade a chemotherapy drug, Gemcitabine. The study found that antibiotics were effective in killing these bacteria in over 70% of mice, leading to rapid tumor progression without treatment.
Anti-RAS antibodies are a critical research tool, but their poor reliability limits replicable study results. Researchers identified selectively recognizing each of the four human RAS proteins only in Western blot assays.
A genetic test developed by UPMC scientists proved highly sensitive in detecting pancreatic cysts associated with aggressive pancreatic cancer. The test, PancreaSeq°, correctly classified patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and identified cysts that would progress to cancer with 100% accuracy.
A randomized clinical trial compared laparoscopic and open surgeries for pancreatic cancer patients. Laparoscopy showed reduced blood loss, decreased transfusions and shorter hospital stays without differing complications or pathological outcomes.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to target KRAS mutant cancer using a Galectin-3 inhibitor. The study found that binding of the protein to a specific cell surface receptor amplifies the advantages driven by mutant KRAS, creating a unique vulnerability that can be targeted with an existing drug.
Researchers have identified a zinc transporter, ZIP4, that is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, making it a potential target for new drugs. The study reveals the structure of ZIP4's core, which conducts zinc transport, and identifies an unprecedented fold for membrane transporters.
Researchers developed a combined 'liquid biopsy' that detected markers from both DNA and protein products of DNA, showing twice the accuracy of detection as DNA alone. The test identified early-stage pancreatic cancer in 64% of patients, improving on the 30% detection rate achieved with DNA testing alone.
A new app, BiliScreen, uses computer vision algorithms and machine learning to detect increased bilirubin levels in the eye, a potential early sign of pancreatic cancer. The app has been shown to correctly identify cases with an accuracy rate of 89.7%, offering a non-invasive and easy-to-use screening tool.
Researchers discovered that targeting arginase 2, an enzyme involved in nitrogen metabolism, can curb the growth of pancreatic tumors, especially in obese individuals. The study suggests a novel approach to treating this deadly cancer, with potential for improved survival rates and therapeutic windows.
Patients with newly diagnosed cancer face a substantially increased short-term risk of arterial thromboembolism. Lung, gastric, and pancreatic cancers are associated with the highest risk, while advanced disease increases overall tumor burden.
A study of 43 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma found two preoperative factors strongly predictive of poor prognosis, regardless of tumor stage. These biomarkers, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index, may help plan treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified two microRNAs that can improve pancreatic cancer response to gemcitabine, a common chemotherapy drug. These findings suggest novel combined treatments for this devastating disease. MicroRNA levels can also predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered an epigenetic factor, FOXA1, that reprograms gene enhancers in cancer cells, allowing them to 'remember' an earlier developmental state and become metastatic. This mechanism is a major breakthrough in understanding the spread of pancreatic cancer.
A new SU2C-Lustgarten Foundation team aims to apply CAR T-cell therapy to pancreatic cancer, a deadly form of cancer with low five-year survival rate. The team will focus on epigenetics and exploring new therapies targeting mesothelin in pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that inhibiting the partnership between Tregs and dendritic cells might lead to effective immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Blocking this relationship may enable the immune system to target pancreatic tumor cells more effectively, potentially slowing tumor growth.
A newly identified biomarker panel correctly detects early pancreatic cancer in human cells, improving the ability to diagnose patients at different stages of their disease. The panel combines plasma thrombospondin-2 with CA19-9 levels for reliable detection of pancreatic cancer, potentially altering treatment outcomes.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awarded $3.1M to five new Clinical Investigators and Continuation Grants to three existing recipients. The winners are conducting groundbreaking research in pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and leptomeningeal metastasis.
A combined molecular biology test can accurately identify benign pancreatic lesions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary cancer screenings and operations. The test uses two proteins to rule out precancer and cancer, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 100% for distinguishing between serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) an...
A new study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of HuMab-5B1, an antibody that targets the cancer antigen 19-9, found on pancreatic tumors and other malignancies. The treatment shows promise for better identifying tumors and directing treatment.
Researchers developed 'iExosomes' that target mutant KRAS, a common mutation in pancreatic cancer, to deliver RNAi and suppress tumor growth. The therapy approach was more efficient than traditional methods, offering new hope for treating this aggressive form of cancer.
In a Phase 2 clinical trial, adding an experimental drug to standard chemotherapy improved progression-free survival by four months in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and high levels of hyaluronic acid in their tumors. The results suggest the benefit of the treatment is restricted to patients with this specific biomarker.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California reveals that reducing glucose-regulated protein GRP78 can halt pancreatic cancer development and prolong survival. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to a novel approach in treating KRAS-mutation related cancers.
Recent studies identified targeted therapies that improved benefits for patients with pancreatic cancer, including one with an ALK gene mutation. The assessment of actionable alterations is now part of routine care at UPMC.
Researchers discovered mutations in gene promoters that affect cell adhesion and axon guidance pathways in pancreatic cancer, providing new insights into its development and progression. These findings could lead to the identification of novel molecular targets for treatment.
Researchers suggest that radiotherapy could have a role in extending the lives of patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer. Studies show that higher doses of radiation are associated with longer survival times. The study analyzed data from over 500 patients and found that those who received higher doses lived significantly longer.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pancreatic cancer patients who travel to academic medical centers for surgery have longer overall survival rates and better quality care. For thyroid cancer patients, traveling also results in more adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.
A new study by TGen and HonorHealth Research Institute found a very high rate of tumor shrinkage among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer when adding cisplatin to standard gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel treatment. The results showed statistically significant improvements in overall response and survival rates.
FAU researchers identified Zeb1 as a key factor that activates embryonic programme, leading to rapid dissemination and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. They also found that blocking Zeb1 reduces metastatic capacity in other tumour types.
Wake Forest Baptist researchers found that MIR506 inhibits malignant cell growth and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. The molecule induces autophagy, a process that promotes cancer cell death.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have uncovered a critical pathway by which pancreatic cancer cells evade the immune system, involving high levels of two proteins - dectin-1 and galectin-9. The study found that blocking this interaction can increase survival in mice with pancreatic tumors.
Australian scientists have discovered a novel strategy to treat pancreatic cancer by softening tumors with Fasudil before chemotherapy, doubling survival time and improving treatment efficacy. The sequential approach also slows cancer spread to other tissues.
Overall cancer death rates have decreased for 11 types of cancer in men and 13 in women between 2010-2014. Five-year survival improved significantly for prostate, kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and leukemia cancers.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer with limited treatment options. PRMT1 plays a crucial role in tumor development and maintenance, and i...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University find that modifying specific proteins during cell division unleashes a natural killing mechanism that targets rapidly proliferating cancer cells. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for aggressive cancers, including pancreatic and triple negative breast cancer.
A network of clinical trials aims to find the right treatment for the right patient, using individual molecular profiles. The project will recruit 658 patients across the UK, with a focus on matching patients with suitable clinical trials already in progress.
A new optical tool uses light scattering spectroscopy to distinguish between pre-cancerous and cancerous pancreatic lesions with high accuracy. The device offers a minimally-invasive means of diagnosis, which could reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve patient outcomes.
Adding two blood-borne proteins, TFPI and tenascin C, to the current biomarker CA-19-9 improves the detection of early-stage pancreatic cancer in three cohorts. The combination shows higher predictive value than the individual biomarkers.