Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Tiny particles in blood useful for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer

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...

Stereotactic body radiation therapy appears to help some patients with pancreatic cancer

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...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2015

The past, present and future of pancreatic cancer research and treatment

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 2015

UTSW researchers lead collaborative charge to uncover genetic diversity of pancreatic cancer

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2015

Potential pancreatic cancer treatment could increase life expectancy

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2015

Moffitt researchers discover biological markers associated with high-risk pancreatic lesions

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.

Olaparib shows success in tumor response rate for patients with BRCA-related cancers

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateNov 6, 2014