Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
A recent study published in Gastroenterology found that metformin significantly reduces the risk of pancreatic cancer in type 2 diabetic patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 participants and discovered a 62% reduction in risk when metformin was used alone or in combination with other therapies.
A study by the American Gastroenterological Association found that metformin reduces pancreatic cancer risk in diabetics by 60%. In contrast, insulin and other therapies may increase risk. The study's results suggest metformin could be a tool for primary prevention of pancreatic cancer.
Research found that smoking increases the likelihood of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma becoming metastatic, with osteopontin isoform OPNc playing a key role. High levels of OPNc were detected in 87% of invasive PDA lesions from smokers, correlating with nicotine exposure.
A new drug compound Salirasib has shown positive results against pancreatic cancer, almost doubling the life expectancy of those who received it. The drug works by inhibiting a protein called Ras, which is abnormally activated in one-third of human cancers.
The study found that tumors with strong angiogenesis showed high enhancement in the arterial dominant phase, while those with fibrosis had a negative correlation. Dynamic CT features related to angiogenesis can be modified by intratumoral fibrosis, which may impact treatment with anti-angiogenesis agents.
A new study found that high intake of dietary fats, particularly from red meat and dairy products, is associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Men and women who consumed more total and saturated fats had significantly higher rates of pancreatic cancer compared to those with lower fat consumption.
A study published in JAMA found that young adults who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Being overweight at an older age is also associated with a lower overall survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer.
A novel adenoviral vector specifically targets the EphA2 receptor on pancreatic cancer cells, improving transduction by 10-fold in vitro. However, in vivo studies show limited targeting to human pancreatic cancer nodules upon injection into mice.
A M.D. Anderson study found a strong relationship between high body mass index in early adulthood and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer at a younger age. Excess weight before diagnosis was also associated with poor outcomes, including reduced overall survival time.
A new study identified 43 valid quality indicators for pancreatic cancer care, with significant variation in patient and hospital adherence. The findings suggest that there is considerable room for improvement in the quality of care delivered to patients with pancreatic cancer.
A study published by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with low cytoplasmic HuR levels had a 7-fold increased mortality risk after receiving gemcitabine treatment. High HuR levels, on the other hand, were associated with improved treatment response and reduced mortality risk.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed new tests that significantly improve the detection rate of bile duct and pancreatic cancer, increasing it from 20% to 43%. The combination of cytology and FISH analysis was found to be more effective in diagnosing these cancers.
A $18 million grant will support a three-year investigation into new approaches to treating pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US. The project aims to develop tests that determine what nutrients fuel pancreatic cancer cell growth and survival.
Research suggests that well-done meats cooked at high temperatures using frying, grilling, or barbecuing methods can form carcinogens linked to pancreatic cancer. Studies found that those who preferred very well done steak had a 60% increased risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found a novel combination therapy using tigatuzumab and gemcitabine that reduces pancreatic cancer stem cells, achieving tumor remission and preventing recurrence. The treatment significantly increased time-to-tumor progression in treated cases, offering new hope for patients with this deadly disease.
The study found that thymoquinone from Nigella sativa inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and inflammation. The herb has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including immune disorders.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have formulated a treatment combination that destroys up to 65% of pancreatic tumor cells in laboratory tests. The combination of rapamycin and panobinostat acts synergistically, offering new opportunities for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have identified an epidermal growth factor receptor aberrantly active in approximately a third of human pancreatic cancers, providing a new treatment target for this fatal disease. The discovery also holds promise for developing a blood or urine screening tool to detect pancreatic cancer earlier.
Researchers have found that AMG 479, a fully human monoclonal antibody, can reduce pancreatic cancer cell growth by approximately 80 percent in vitro and in vivo studies. The inhibitor specifically targets the insulin-like growth factor receptor, showing promise for future clinical trials.
A team of researchers has established a compendium of 2,516 potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer, with over 200 genes shortlisted for further study. The findings provide a strategic approach to early detection and could lead to the development of more accurate diagnostic tests.
Researchers have developed an automatic slicing system to culture normal and cancerous pancreatic tissue from patient specimens, allowing for reproducible testing of novel treatment options, including gene therapy. This new ex-vivo model assesses cellular heterogeneity and extracellular matrix accumulation in human tumors.
A study found that obese patients who underwent pancreatic resection surgery had significantly worse survival rates compared to non-obese patients. The risk of lymph node metastasis and cancer recurrence was also higher in obese patients.
Daily folic acid supplements may increase prostate cancer risk by more than twice that of placebo. Baseline dietary folate intake and plasma levels showed a trend towards reduced risk but did not reach statistical significance. Researchers suggest large epidemiological studies using improved methods to study diet and cancer prevention.
Researchers have identified a panel of proteins that could serve as harbingers of cancer in pancreatic lesions, allowing for earlier treatment. The technique can detect these biomarkers in tiny amounts of fluid from small cysts, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers used RNA interference to suppress MMP-2 expression in pancreatic cancer cells, leading to reduced adhesion and invasion without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. This finding suggests that inhibiting MMP-2 via RNA interference could be an effective therapeutic strategy for managing pancreatic tumors.
Aminoguanidine reduces pancreatic tumor growth, delays metastasis appearance, and extends mouse survival. The compound's mechanism involves inhibiting nitric oxide synthase, anti-angiogenic effects, and reduced antioxidant enzyme expression.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genome scanning to locate a mutation in the PALB2 gene, responsible for initiating hereditary pancreatic cancer. The discovery highlights the value of personalized genome sequencing in identifying disease-causing mutations.
A recent study found that consuming two or more alcoholic drinks per day may slightly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. The research pooled data from 14 studies involving over 862,000 individuals and identified a higher risk among men who consumed three or more drinks daily.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene called ATDC that is overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic cancers, making cells resistant to chemotherapy. The study found that targeting this gene may make cancer cells more sensitive to existing therapies.
A Northwestern University-developed optical technology accurately detects pancreatic cancer in neighboring tissue, showing promise for early diagnosis. The method uses novel light-scattering techniques to analyze subtle changes in cells, distinguishing between healthy and diseased samples with 95% sensitivity.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer by analyzing nanoscopic changes in cell biopsies. This method may help diagnose cancers earlier and treat them more effectively.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified a key protein involved in pancreatic cancer growth. Blocking its expression slowed or prevented tumor growth in mice and made cultured cancer cells vulnerable to low oxygen conditions.
A study found a potential genetic link between a germ-line mutation in the TTF-1 gene and an increased risk of developing multi-nodular goiter (MNG) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The researchers also explored the effects of early mammography on breast cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center identified genetic variants in seven DNA repair genes associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The LIG3 G-39A AA variant was found to lower pancreatic cancer risk, while the ATM D1853N AA variant increased risk by over twice as much.
Research suggests that genetic variations in DNA repair patterns can predict a threefold increased risk of pancreatic cancer, while others may decrease it by up to 77 percent. The study analyzed nine single nucleotide polymorphisms among patients with and without pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified new biomarkers for treatment response in pancreatic cancer, associating mismatch repair genes with tumor resectability and overall survival. The study found that variations in DNA repair genes can predict patient outcomes, enabling doctors to choose the best therapy.
A large cohort study found that infection with hepatitis C virus significantly increases risk for pancreatic cancer, a previously under-examined association. The study, published in Hepatology, suggests that individuals infected with HCV should be closely monitored for this potentially fatal condition.
Researchers have identified a possible new therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, the SINA gene, which regulates cell growth and oncogenesis. Inhibiting this gene's function may lead to novel anti-cancer therapies.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University reported that IDO2 enzyme is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, potentially leading to targeted immunotherapy. Genetic analysis revealed that about 75% of patients have an active IDO2 enzyme, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.
UC Davis Cancer Center researchers have discovered a metabolic deficiency in pancreatic cancer cells that can be used to slow the progress of the deadliest form of cancer. By depleting arginine levels, they were able to significantly reduce pancreatic cancer-cell proliferation and inhibit tumor growth by 50 percent.
Researchers have developed an animal model to study the effect of small strokes on nearby neurons, finding that blockages can cause significant decreases in blood flow and death of neurons. A potential new tool for brain surgeons is being developed using optical measurements to detect and protect critical areas during surgery.
Researchers found that women who smoked fewer pack years had a higher risk of developing significant colorectal neoplasia. Smoking also increased the risk of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions in at-risk patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and reactivation of HBV during chemotherapy. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, suggests testing for HBV before administering chemotherapy to prevent liver damage.
A new study has found an association between past hepatitis B infection and pancreatic cancer. Evidence of past hepatitis B exposure was twice as common in patients with pancreatic cancer compared to healthy controls.
Researchers found erlotinib to effectively block EGFR, improving survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. In vitro studies revealed erlotinib's ability to repress cell growth, induce apoptosis, and suppress angiogenesis.
Researchers found that serum CA19-9 levels correlate with TNM staging and tumor size in patients with pancreatic cancer. The study used ROC curve analysis to evaluate the clinical value of serum CA19-9 levels in predicting respectability, revealing a high accuracy of 93.1% sensitivity and 78.3% specificity.
Two novel histone deacetylase inhibitors, NVP-LBH589 and NVP-LAQ824, have been shown to suppress the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells and induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Further studies are recommended for their potential treatment.
Researchers found that ellagic acid increases programmed cell death and decreases proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. The compound also reduces the activity of the pro-survival transcription factor NF-kB, which may help overcome resistance to radio and chemotherapies.
Researchers developed a 'suicide gene' delivery approach that successfully kills pancreatic cancer cells by over 95 percent, targeting only cancer cells with minimal harm to normal ones. This innovative strategy uses mesothelin DNA linked to diphtheria toxin, effectively hijacking cancer cell machinery.
Researchers found that mirtazapine increased appetite and reversed weight loss, while fluoxetine suppressed food intake and promoted weight loss. These antidepressants had no effect on pancreatic tumor growth.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that CyberKnife radiosurgery is a safe treatment option for recurrent pancreatic cancer, allowing patients to resume systemic chemotherapy quickly. The study demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy in delivering treatment within a week's time.
Researchers found that a twice-weekly gemcitabine infusion schedule improved median survival time, disease-free survival time, and overall 1-year survival rate compared to previous studies. The study also showed that patients with reduced tumor markers had better prognosis.
A new chemotherapy drug combination has shown excellent results in a phase II trial, extending median survival time in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer by up to 6.4 months compared to standard therapy. The treatment, EndoTAG-1, destroys new blood vessels around tumors, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers report that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly accurate in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms, with a 99.1% accuracy rate. EUS-FNA also shows excellent results, with 88.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity, making it an ideal next step for patients with ambiguous imaging findings.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a gene therapy approach that eliminates human pancreatic cancer cells in mice. The therapy combines perillyl alcohol, a natural compound found in citrus plants, with mda-7/IL-24 cytokine to kill aggressive and lethal cancer cells.
A new study from Northwestern University found that cancer patients treated at high-volume hospitals have more lymph nodes examined for cancer spread, leading to improved long-term outcomes. This increased nodal evaluation can accurately diagnose stage disease and predict patient prognosis.
Patients with gastric or pancreatic cancer treated at high-volume hospitals or comprehensive cancer centers receive more thorough lymph node evaluations. This practice is associated with better prognosis and treatment decisions for these patients.
Researchers found overexpression of TG2 in ovarian cancer to be associated with increased tumor cell growth, adhesion, resistance to chemotherapy, and lower overall survival rates. Silencing TG2 using siRNA reversed cancer progression, suggesting the protein as a novel therapeutic approach for late-stage ovarian cancer.
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified five proteins that may be useful tools in detecting early-stage pancreatic tumors. The panel of proteins discriminated between pancreatic cancer cases and controls in blood specimens, suggesting a potential role in early detection.
Researchers identified five biomarkers linked to early development of pancreatic cancer in mice that also apply to early stages in humans. These findings bring scientists closer to developing a blood test to detect the disease early, when cure rates are highest.