Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
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.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology suggests that adding a wild berry extract to chemotherapy cycles may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that the extract induced cell death and boosted the effectiveness of the conventional drug gemcitabine.
A study found that combining chemotherapy and stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) may be an effective treatment option for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. After undergoing this treatment, nearly 90% of patients were able to undergo surgery, resulting in a high success rate.
A large DNA analysis has identified several new genetic markers that signal increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The markers are variations in the inherited DNA code at particular locations along chromosomes.
Researchers at Cancer Research UK have found a new use for an old drug, rapamycin, in shrinking and stopping the spread of a specific type of pancreatic cancer tumour. The study suggests that targeting mTOR dependency may be a key to tailoring treatment to individual patients.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a combined investigational treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, combining radiation with chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor. The study aims to identify patient biomarkers that can provide clues into individual treatment response and improve survival rates.
GW researcher Alexandros Tzatsos receives over $1 million in grants to study pancreatic cancer's epigenetic regulators. He aims to develop targeted therapies for this aggressive form of cancer by understanding the role of histone demethylase.
Researchers at IMIM have identified galectin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, demonstrating improved survival rates of 20% in mice. The inhibition of this protein mainly affects the immune system and surrounding tumor cells, suggesting a new strategy for treating pancreatic cancer with minimal side effects.
A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer. The longer a person takes low-dose aspirin, the lower their risk of developing pancreatic cancer, with some evidence suggesting a greater reduction in risk over time.
Adding MM-398 to standard treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer improves overall and progression-free survival, according to a phase III trial. The combination therapy showed significant benefits over standard treatment alone, but with higher gastrointestinal side effects.
Pancreatic cancer tumors rely on Yap1 when mutant Kras is blocked, fueling tumor recurrence. Researchers found that Yap1-driven tumors resemble a poor-prognosis subtype of pancreatic cancer.
The Phase 2B clinical trial of CRS-207 and GVAX Pancreas vaccines aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The combination regimen shows promise in improving survival rates, with no serious treatment-related adverse side effects.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed an optical blood oxygen sensor attached to an endoscope that can identify pancreatic cancer with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 86%. The device measures changes in blood flow near the pancreas, which tumors alter to grow. Early detection is crucial as most pancreatic cancers are diagno...
A new drug called MM-398 has shown a significant overall survival rate in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer when given in combination with 5-flourouracil and leucovorin. The study achieved an overall survival of 6.1 months, a 1.9 month improvement over the control arm.
Researchers at Rice University have developed customized carbon nanotubes that can deliver chemotherapy agents to pancreatic cancer cells. The nanotubes are small enough to pass through the pores of cancer-related blood vessels, allowing them to target and infiltrate the nuclei of cancerous cells.
A recent study published in Metabolomics found that EGCG, a green tea extract, disrupts the balance of metabolic pathways in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing their growth and increasing the risk of cancer. Researchers also identified an enzyme inhibitor, oxamate, which operates in a similar manner.
Ronald M. Evans, director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk Institute, is one of three scientists chosen for The Lustgarten Foundation's Distinguished Scholars program to focus on finding a cure for pancreatic cancer. He will expand his research on Vitamin D therapies using clinical trials in patients.
Researchers have discovered a unique molecular signature for adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), a rare and virulent form of pancreatic cancer. The identification of somatic mutations in the UPF1 gene may lead to the development of novel diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, offering new hope for patients with ASC.
Fibrous tissue in pancreatic tumors actually supports an immune attack that slows tumor progression but cannot overcome it. Immunotherapy could be a promising new avenue for guiding treatment, offering hope for patients with low levels of fibrosis in their tumors.
Researchers have found that eliminating scar tissue and inflammation in pancreatic cancer tumors can actually make them more deadly. In a new study, mice without desmoplasia developed tumors earlier and died sooner, suggesting that treatments targeting this complex scar tissue may need to be reevaluated.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered an enzyme, Rac1b, that is tightly linked to the development of aggressive pancreatic cancer. The study provides key insights into the most aggressive form of the disease and offers a potential way to gauge outcome in individual patients.
Researchers found distinct profiles of bacteria in saliva that may indicate early-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis. High levels of Leptotrichia and Campylobacter were detected in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls.
Researchers have identified a gene, PLAC-8, critical to pancreatic cancer progression and growth through autophagy. Inactivating the gene in mice significantly slows cancer's progression, offering a potential new route to treatment.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified Yes-associated protein (Yes) as the critical switch that promotes cancer growth and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Inhibiting Yes completely shuts down further growth of pancreatic cancer, offering a promising therapeutic target.
Microfluidic technology reveals potential biomarker for early pancreatic cancer, capturing circulating pancreas cells in 33% of patients with early lesions. The detection may indicate an early sign of cancer, and a clinical trial is underway to predict patient risk.
Death rates from pancreatic cancer are expected to rise in Europe in 2014, with 41,300 men and 41,000 women predicted to die from the disease. This represents a small but steady increase since 2000, with only five percent of patients surviving for five years after diagnosis.
An Indiana University study found that immediately after Steve Jobs' death, more than a third of survey participants sought information about cancer in general and 7% sought pancreatic cancer info, highlighting the importance of using celebrities to educate the public about disease prevention and detection.
Dr. Michael Barrett of TGen received a $200,000 grant to investigate the molecular drivers of pancreatic cancer spread. The grant supports research into high-priority areas to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020.
The SU2C-Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Convergence Dream Team aims to develop new therapies using patients' own immune cells to treat pancreatic cancer. The team, led by experts in various institutions, will focus on understanding the tumor microenvironment and developing therapeutic agents to eliminate barriers to treatment.
A Dream Team led by Elizabeth Jaffee and Robert Vonderheide aims to exploit patients' own immune cells to treat pancreatic cancer. The team will use vaccination and other agents to activate antitumor immune cells and convert the tumor microenvironment into a fostered rejection environment.
Researchers from the University of California - San Francisco, led by Margaret Tempero, are part of a national 'dream team' working to accelerate treatment and discoveries for pancreatic cancer. The team aims to turn the deadly disease into a treatable one through targeted approaches and collaborative research.
Researchers at Dartmouth developed a more accurate and safer treatment for pancreatic cancer by analyzing pre-treatment CT scans. The study found that blood volume in tumors is a key predictor of treatment response, making PDT easier, faster, and more effective.