Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers at UNC identified a molecular marker of pancreatic cancer that may help diagnose the disease earlier. A specific form of a protein called palladin is produced in large amounts in tumor-associated fibroblasts surrounding a pancreatic tumor, making it a potential diagnostic tool.
Researchers investigated COX-2 expression as a prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer, finding no significant correlation between high COX-2 levels and survival rates. High histological grade and nodal involvement remained key predictors of shorter survival.
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.
A research team from Japan has discovered that inhibiting IGF-IR activity decreases proliferation and motility of pancreatic cancer cell lines. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating pancreatic cancer.
A study of 145 patients with branch duct IPMN found that prognosis depends on presence of intra- or extra-pancreatic cancer. This suggests it's essential to assess for these conditions when examining IPMN patients.
A global consortium has cataloged genetic changes of 50 common cancers, making it possible to sequence partial or full genomes as part of clinical evaluation. This will enable targeted treatments and help understand why some treatments work and others do not.
Jonathan Brody has received a 2010 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Career Development Award to support his innovative research on pancreatic cancer. He aims to extend funding and translate his findings into clinical settings.
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.
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.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that PKC-iota is over-produced in pancreatic cancer and is linked to poor patient survival. Genetically inhibiting PKC-iota led to a significant decrease in pancreatic tumor growth and spread in laboratory animals.
Researchers have identified four mRNA biomarkers in saliva that differentiate pancreatic cancer patients from non-cancer subjects with high sensitivity and specificity. The findings suggest a potential role for salivary diagnostics in early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, a leading cause of cancer death.
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.
Researchers found that obese patients with pancreatic cancer have significantly higher levels of MCP-1, a chemokine associated with inflammation, compared to non-obese patients with the same condition. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to tumor progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
A new study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and the American College of Surgeons found that community hospitals can offer safe surgical options for certain types of cancer surgeries. Younger patients with few pre-existing illnesses have similar survival rates at both community hospitals and specialized cancer c...
Researchers at University of California, San Diego have identified a signaling protein called RON that helps pancreatic cancer cells survive and resist chemotherapy. The study provides new insights into pancreatic cancer development and suggests combining RON-targeted therapy with other treatments to combat tumor resistance.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and AACR awarded Zeshaan Rasheed a $600,000 grant to study cancer stem cells in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The grant aims to develop novel therapies targeting cancer stem cell growth and spread.
A paracrine pathway involving glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) regulates the migration of pancreatic cancer cells along nerves. The pathway plays a crucial role in preventing nerve invasion and has potential as an adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) to deliver drugs more effectively, targeting both rapid- and slow-growing tumors. TPM has shown promise in treating pancreatic cancer by breaking through barriers and delivering highly concentrated drug doses.
Scientists at MIT have discovered that tumors can arise from different types of cells in the pancreas, depending on whether they are injured or inflamed. This finding could lead to new treatments and early diagnosis methods for pancreatic cancer.
A recent study published by Henry Ford Hospital contradicts previous research suggesting hepatitis B infection increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Age is found to be the only significant predictor of pancreatic cancer in patients infected with hepatitis B.
Researchers discover a drug that inhibits TAK-1 enzyme, making pancreatic cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy. The combination of the drug with classic anti-cancer drugs shows significant tumor reduction and increased survival rates in mice.
The Bernard Lee Schwartz Foundation has established a new three-year Research Scholar Award for pancreatic cancer research, providing funding and protected time for a young investigator. The award aims to advance knowledge of early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Research on endothelin-1 (ET-1) reveals its role in promoting fibrosis in pancreatic stellate cells. ET-1 stimulates cell activation, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Inhibition of ET-1 may offer a novel approach to treating chronic pancreatitis and 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.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered the prion protein as a novel biomarker for pancreatic cancer. The study found that the prion binds to filamin A in human pancreatic cancer cells, disrupting cell organization and signaling, and leading to aggressive tumor growth.
A new diagnostic tool developed by Van Andel Research Institute has shown promising results in detecting pancreatic cancer more effectively. The method studies carbohydrate structures in the bloodstream and could lead to the development of blood tests that can detect 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.
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 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.
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.