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Functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate pancreatic cancer models, using diffusion-weighted and transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI to differentiate living from dead cells. This non-invasive method may replace invasive techniques like biopsy or necropsy for assessing therapeutic efficacy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation is associated with improved outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients

A new study finds that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. EUS evaluation was found to improve overall survival, possibly due to earlier cancer detection and more selective surgery. The study analyzed a large population-based cancer registry and demonstrated the...

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 8, 2010

Cysts hold clues to pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic researchers have developed a method to distinguish between pre-cancerous and benign cysts using glycans. This could lead to fewer deaths from pancreatic cancer by detecting and removing pre-cancerous cysts. The study's findings offer new hope for early detection and treatment of the disease.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateJun 3, 2010

Preoperative/neoadjuvant therapy in pancreatic cancer

A systematic review of 111 studies involving 4,394 patients found that a third could undergo resection after neoadjuvant therapy, with similar survival rates to those judged resectable before treatment. The study suggests including locally advanced/unresectable tumors in neoadjuvant protocols.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 20, 2010

Chemotherapy plus synthetic compound provides potent anti-tumor effect in pancreatic cancers

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a synthetic compound called JP1201, mimicking the action of a 'death-promoting' protein, can enhance chemotherapy's efficacy and prolong life in mice with pancreatic cancer. The study demonstrates promising results for potential therapies against this devastating disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 23, 2010

Going for gold with a novel interventional radiology treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers have developed a novel interventional radiology treatment called nanoembolization, which uses gold nanoparticles to kill cancer cells. The treatment involves injecting the nanoparticles directly into tumors via an artery near the tumor site, bypassing scar tissue that blocks traditional treatments.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 16, 2010

Predicting prognosis and treatment response in a subset of pancreatic cancer patients

A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that specific histone modifications can predict prognosis and response to treatment in pancreatic cancer patients. The findings suggest that low levels of these modifications are associated with poor survival, while high levels may indicate a favorable response to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2010

News brief: Having a family member under 50 diagnosed with pancreatic cancer increases risk

A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that having multiple family members with pancreatic cancer significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the disease. Relatives with a relative diagnosed under 50 years old are at a ninefold higher risk than the general population.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 12, 2010

Pancreatic tumors are marked for immunotherapy

A study at Washington University School of Medicine identified mesothelin as a marker for pancreatic tumors, suggesting its potential use in immune therapy against the disease. Mesothelin levels in the blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to healthy individuals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 30, 2009

Is type 2 diabetes mellitus a risk factor for gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic cancer?

A large cohort study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer and a twofold increased risk of gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary cancers compared to non-diabetic controls. This is the first comprehensive assessment of the risk for these cancers in type 2 DM patients.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateNov 18, 2009

MicroRNAs circulating in blood show promise as biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified four microRNAs that can accurately detect pancreatic cancer and pre-invasive lesions. The study found that these microRNAs are overexpressed in precursor lesions leading to full-blown pancreatic cancer, offering a promising approach for early detection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateSep 4, 2009