Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers have discovered that an anti-diabetic drug can 'suffocate' pancreatic cancer stem cells by preventing them from using oxygen for energy. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments that target these cancer stem cells and prevent recurrence after conventional treatment. Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most ...
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center are developing a blood test using microRNAs to identify and characterize precursor lesions that can progress to pancreatic cancer. The test may help differentiate between low- and high-risk lesions, allowing for more informed personalized medical management decisions.
University of Houston researchers identify liver X receptors as a promising target for developing new pancreatic cancer treatments. The study, led by Chin-Yo Lin, shows that targeting these receptors can slow the growth of tumors and is expected to lead to the development of new drugs.
A study found genes associated with improved survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer patients. Detection of circulating tumor DNA in the blood predicted clinical relapse and poor outcomes.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a molecular partnership between annexin A2 and Sema3D that helps explain how pancreatic cancer spreads. Annexin A2, already linked to poor survival rates, guides the release of Sema3D, which fuels the cancer's spread by tracking nerve cells.
Researchers at Barts Cancer Institute have identified a three-protein 'signature' in urine that can accurately detect early-stage pancreatic cancer with over 90% accuracy. This discovery could lead to a simple and inexpensive test for high-risk individuals, improving survival rates.
Researchers found no statistically significant association between pioglitazone use and bladder cancer risk. However, a small increased risk was observed, as well as associations with increased prostate and pancreatic cancer risks.
A recent genome-sequencing study discovered at least one-third of patients' tumors have genetic mutations that can guide precision therapy. Blood tests detecting DNA shed from tumors predicted cancer recurrence more than half a year earlier than standard imaging methods.
Scientists at University College London have designed a chemical compound called MM41 that targets quadruplexes, faulty genes found in pancreatic cancers. The compound reduced tumor growth by 80% and prevented regrowth in mice, showing promise for treating pancreatic cancer.
Indiana University researchers found that restoring missing microRNA-29 in pancreatic cancer stromal cells reduced the viability and growth of cancerous cells. The study suggests that miR-29 could be a potent therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer by targeting reactive tumor stroma.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a potential non-invasive diagnostic tool for early pancreatic cancer detection. Glypican-1-enriched circulating exosomes were found to be present in small amounts of serum from patients with pancreatic cancer, showing high specificity and sensitivity. Early detection of pancreati...
Researchers have uncovered four regions in the human genome where changes may increase pancreatic cancer risk, with specific variants linked to a 38% increased risk at position 17q25.1. The study confirms connections between pancreatic cancer risk and genetic variants linked to other cancers.
Leading researchers from Canada and Israel are working together to uncover the molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer and develop new biomarkers for detection and diagnostics. The collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes by discovering targeted therapies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 observational studies found that nut consumption is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and pancreatic cancer. However, it was not linked to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a promising combination of an experimental drug and common antibiotic Minocycline to target pancreatic cancer cells. The synergistic effect of the two drugs eliminated Stat3 expression, a key protein regulating tumor growth.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals that exosomes secreted by pancreatic cancer cells contain MIF, which educates liver cells to produce a protein leading to fibrosis and tumor growth. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments and biomarkers for early detection.
Researchers found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and as effective as standard radiation treatment for certain patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in a short period, resulting in reduced pain and improved quality of life. The treatment also allowed some patient...
Researchers at UC San Diego found that pancreatic cancer rates are highest in countries with the least amount of sunlight, due to low vitamin D levels. Limited foods naturally contain vitamin D, and experts suggest that a deficiency may contribute to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Despite recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer biology, researchers have made little progress in finding effective treatments. However, a new review suggests that immunotherapy combined with other treatments may significantly increase patient survival rates, and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers identify ways to improve recruitment and efficiency of IMPaCT trial, a personalized pancreas cancer clinical trial that used genomic sequencing to guide treatment. The trial showed promise despite initial challenges, including slow technology adoption and complex administrative processes.
DECT imaging enhances pancreatic cancer assessment through improved lesion detection and characterization, potentially improving patient outcomes. The technique has shown promise in detecting and evaluating pancreatic tumors, offering a more comprehensive analysis than traditional single-energy CT imaging.
Researchers have identified a novel approach to treating pancreatic cancer by introducing the protein E47, which can reprogram cancer cells back to their original state. This breakthrough offers new therapeutic possibilities and may lead to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a way to make pancreatic cancer cells more susceptible to oncolytic viruses by exploiting the communication between cancer cells and supportive cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts. This weakness can be exploited to improve treatment outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network have awarded $27 million in research grants to support innovative projects targeting pancreatic cancer. The grants aim to improve treatment and diagnosis of the deadly disease, which has the lowest survival rate among major cancers.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a profile to identify patients most at risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The study analyzed data from 1,126 patients and found that factors such as history of smoking, obesity, jaundice, and cyst size on imaging scans are associated with high risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a wealth of genetic diversity in pancreatic cancer, including multiple mutated genes that were previously unknown. The study also revealed potential diagnostic biomarkers and defined cases where certain drugs are selectively effective against specific mutations.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based screening program identified pancreatic lesions in 40% of high-risk patients, with 5 requiring surgery. The study suggests that MRI can detect cancer or premalignant lesions with good accuracy, reducing costs and increasing availability compared to more aggressive methods.
Researchers at TGen are using zebrafish to accelerate investigations of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding therapeutics that can slow down and reverse tumor growth. The study is funded by the Seena Magowitz Foundation and aims to understand how pancreatic cancer invades local tissue and spreads to other organs.
Many cancers, including pancreatic cancer, enslave and deform mitochondria to create an environment conducive to tumor growth. Researchers found that blocking this process may lead to the growth of tumors.
Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee receives the AACR-Joseph H. Burchenal Award for her pioneering contributions to immunotherapies for breast and pancreatic cancers, leading to improved treatments and patient outcomes. Her work also focuses on establishing biomarkers of tumor microenvironment reprogramming.
Scientists at UTHealth received grants to identify new compounds that may treat lethal cancers by targeting K-Ras protein mutations. The research aims to develop anti-KRas drugs to improve treatment outcomes for millions suffering from these cancers.
Researchers found that a secreted immune protein called interleukin(IL)-17B promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Treating tumor-bearing mice with an IL-17B inhibitor halted tumor growth and spread, resulting in increased survival.
Researchers at Indiana University identified a unique gene signature in pancreatic cancer patients who can benefit from targeted therapies cutting off the growth pathways fed by abnormal blood vessels. This finding suggests that these patients may benefit from precision medicine approaches.
A study of 100 pancreatic cancer genomes identifies four subtypes, including 'stable', 'locally rearranged', 'scattered', and 'unstable' genomes. The analysis suggests that patients with 'unstable' genomes respond well to platinum-based drugs and PARP inhibitors, offering a promising lead for personalized treatment.
A new TGen study finds targeting stroma surrounding cancer cells can improve treatments and extend patient survival in pancreatic cancer patients. High levels of stroma correlate with poor patient survival, with median survival rates ranging from 9-24 months depending on hyaluronan and collagen levels.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and the University of Oslo have identified a molecule that transforms normal pancreatic cells into duct-like structures, which can become cancerous. Inhibiting this gene, PKD1, may halt progression and spread of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a device that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into tumor tissue, allowing for potential life-saving surgeries and increased life expectancy. The device uses electric fields to target poorly vascularized tumors, which are difficult to treat with standard IV chemotherapy drugs.
A new course of action prescribing chemotherapy based on genetic research has led to a Phoenix resident being diagnosed with no detectable tumors after Stage 4 pancreatic cancer treatment. The patient benefited from a cutting-edge clinical trial and is now part of a follow-up study testing the effectiveness of a maintenance therapy.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered six microRNAs that can distinguish between high-risk and low-risk pancreatic lesions, offering a promising biomarker for early detection. This finding may lead to the development of a microRNA-based blood test to aid in predicting disease severity and foster new prevention strategies.
Fox Chase researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells sidestep chemotherapy by hijacking the vitamin D receptor, a key mechanism driving chemotherapeutic effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. The findings raise hopes for developing new treatments that can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Defects in extrusion, a process that helps cells die when overcrowded, may be a common hallmark of invasive tumor types. FAK inhibitors rescued cell death rates to normal and eliminated large cell masses.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough culturing system for human liver stem cells and pancreatic cancer stem cells, allowing for the growth of mini-organisms in the lab. This technology has the potential to revolutionize liver transplantation and aid in the fight against pancreatic cancer, with applications in personalized medicine.
A new study reveals that a specific gene, ATDC, plays a key role in the development of pancreatic cancer by promoting tumor growth and spread. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer have a survival rate of only 30 percent.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover a promising new treatment for aggressive breast and pancreatic cancers, using a synthetic compound called SR1848. The compound targets the LRH-1 protein, which is involved in hormone synthesis and cholesterol metabolism.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that cancer biopsies do not increase the risk of cancer spreading, contrary to a long-held belief. Patients who underwent biopsies had significantly better overall survival rates compared to those who did not.
Researchers have developed a new model system to grow both normal and cancerous pancreatic cells in the laboratory, offering a powerful tool in the fight against pancreatic cancer. The 3D culture system, known as an organoid, can be grown from human patient tissue, providing a path to personalized treatment approaches.
A study led by Dr Yaohe Wang at Barts Cancer Institute found that arming a modified virus called Vaccinia with a specific gene enhanced its effectiveness against pancreatic cancer. In mice, the armed virus was more effective in killing tumors and preventing regrowth compared to an unarmed version.
A new technique has uncovered large sets of previously unknown pancreatic cancer genes by introducing DNA transposons into mouse genomes. The study found that the Foxp1 gene drives cancer progression and is highly expressed in human cancers that have metastasised.
The UK's Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund has invested £1.2 million in seven new projects aimed at developing new treatments for pancreatic cancer. The projects will focus on targeting the energy supply of cancer cells and improving chemotherapy absorption, among other areas.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a unique approach to treating pancreatic cancer that uses immunotherapy to target cancer cells and stimulate the immune system. The treatment method, known as immunochemotherapy, shows promise in pre-clinical studies with minimal harm to normal pancreatic cells.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified key molecular steps in the formation of pancreatic cancer, suggesting new preventive strategies. The study found that Kras mutations can induce inflammatory macrophages, which loosen cell structure and lead to precancerous lesions.
A phase II study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found olaparib produced a 26% overall tumor response rate in patients with advanced cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The treatment showed improved survival rates for patients with ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
Researchers at Indiana University have found that a panel of microRNAs in plasma can accurately diagnose pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic malignancy. The discovery could lead to a blood test for early detection and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found a potential early detection window for pancreatic cancer in people with a family history of the disease. The study suggests that identifying susceptibility genes and designing risk management programs can help detect the disease earlier, improving outcomes.
Researchers have identified key factors contributing to pancreatic cancer, including inherited genetic predisposition and a higher risk of developing other cancers. Active smoking was also found to significantly impact age at diagnosis.
A team of scientists identified a rise in branched-chain amino acids as an early indicator of pancreatic cancer development, occurring years before symptoms appear. The breakthrough discovery has the potential to spur progress in detecting and treating the disease.
Researchers found that a synthetic derivative of vitamin D can collapse the barrier of cells shielding pancreatic tumors, making them more susceptible to therapeutic drugs. Human trials are underway for pancreatic cancer, and the findings may have implications for other tough-to-treat tumors.
Two new peptide vaccines and two peptide inhibitors targeting HER-3 and IGF-1R receptors have been developed by Ohio State Researchers. The studies show that combining these agents can boost effectiveness and prevent drug resistance, leading to improved response rates and durable remissions for various types of cancer.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study analyzed circulating tumor cells and found increased expression of extracellular matrix genes, which could be a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. The study also identified distinct classes of pancreatic CTCs with unique gene expression patterns.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract killed off cancer cells and boosted the effectiveness of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in treating pancreatic cancer. The extract's anti-cancer properties were tested on human pancreatic cancer cells, with results suggesting a potential synergy between the two.