Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 at UPMC Cancer Institute have developed a new treatment combination that combines chemotherapy, biotherapy, and radiotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. The study found that this regimen is safe and may be beneficial for patients, with significant tumor shrinkage before surgery.
A randomized phase II study found a trend towards increased survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with axitinib plus gemcitabine compared to gemcitabine alone. The median overall survival was longer in the axitinib group, but the finding requires further investigation in a phase III trial.
Research found that individuals with gum disease have an increased risk of various cancers, including lung, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Gum disease was associated with a 14% higher overall cancer risk compared to those without gum disease.
Researchers at OHSU have developed new antibodies that can recognize pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal cancers. These antibodies show promise in early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the US.
Researchers found that endoscopic ultrasound improves patient outcomes after diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Heavy smoking and drinking are linked to an earlier onset of the disease, with beer being the strongest contributor.
GAL-3 stimulates pancreatic stellate cell activation, which promotes the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. This interaction provides a new therapeutic target for controlling pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that thymoquinone blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed cells by enhancing programmed cell death, with 80% of cancer cells killed. Thymoquinone also triggered epigenetic changes, including acetylation of histones, which could lead to new cancer treatments.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has established a groundbreaking BRCA cancer research program focusing on genetic mutations that significantly increase breast, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer risks. The program aims to identify innovative ways to reduce the risk for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that calorie restriction hinders development of pancreatic cancer by reducing levels of IGF-1 and inflammatory signaling proteins. Only 7.5% of mice on the calorie-restricted diet developed lesions, compared to 45% and 57.5% in overweight and obese groups.
Two new therapies have shown promising results in treating basal cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. A novel molecule, GDC-0449, has been found to shrink tumors with limited side effects, while a combination of two drugs has shown significant clinical benefit in over 80% of pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that common blood pressure medications can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth and cause cell death. The study suggests that these drugs may be part of a novel strategy to control the growth and spread of cancer.
Researchers present data on the preventive effects of celecoxib and atorvastatin in colorectal, prostate and breast cancer. The study found that patients taking celecoxib had a significant reduction in adenomas, precursor to colon cancer, with low cardiovascular risk. A combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib also inhibited the growt...
Researchers found that nicotine increases osteopontin production, promoting cancer cell survival and spread. Elevated osteopontin levels have been detected in pancreatic cancer patients, suggesting a potential role in the cigarette smoking-pancreatic cancer connection.
A study found that adding gemcitabine to chemoradiation improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients who had surgery, but the benefit was not statistically significant. The treatment reduced local relapse and systemic metastasis in patients.
Researchers have discovered that heart hormones can eliminate human pancreatic and breast cancers in mice, reducing tumors by up to 97%. The treatment has shown no side effects and has the potential to make cancer a chronic condition.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mesothelin, a protein found on tumor cells' surface, promotes pancreatic cancer growth. A new vaccine targeting mesothelin, made from virus-like particles, has shown promise in slowing tumor growth and increasing survival time in mice.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found a striking correlation between patient prognosis and tumor size at diagnosis. Patients with tumors under 20mm had the highest median survival rates, but only accounted for 18% of cases.
Scientists discovered that metastatic pancreatic cancer cells produce enough of the protein IDO to evade detection by the immune system, allowing them to spread in the body. This finding may lead to new ways to detect pancreatic cancer spreading to lymph nodes and enhance tumor immune therapy strategies.
Researchers found that ZIP4, a zinc transporter, is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissue and promotes tumor growth. The study provides a potential diagnostic marker and candidate for cancer vaccine development.
Researchers present emerging therapies targeting cancer cells, including a small molecule inhibitor of protein kinase D and an oncolytic herpes virus that selectively targets cancer cells without damaging nerves. These treatments offer promising methods for controlling disease and improving patient outcomes.
A study found that diabetes increases levels of CA 19-9, a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. Elevated CA 19-9 levels in diabetics may indicate chronic pancreatitis rather than pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Jefferson University have discovered a tumor-blocking protein, pp32, that may be missing in aggressive forms of pancreatic cancer. The absent protein could eventually serve as a biomarker for the disease and a potential therapeutic target.
Eating flavonol-rich foods like apples may help reduce pancreatic cancer risk, with quercetin identified as a key compound. Smokers who consumed more flavonols had a significantly greater risk reduction.
A new study found that gemcitabine chemotherapy after surgery doubles disease-free survival from 4.9 to 11.4 months in patients with operable pancreatic cancer, improving outcomes by 41 percent
Researchers identified a distinct subpopulation of cancer stem cells responsible for metastasis in human pancreatic cancer. The study found that CSCs expressing CD133 and CXCR4 play a critical role in tumor metastasis, and inhibiting these cells or transplanting non-metastatic cells can abolish metastatic tumor development.
Researchers at the University of Georgia are working on a new approach to detect pancreatic cancer using subtle changes in proteins and sugars. They believe that these biomarkers can be found in pancreatic fluid and blood, which could lead to earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that people with low IGFBP-1 levels were twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those with higher levels. This protein's role in modulating insulin and IGF hormones may hold clues to the disease's development, potentially aiding in risk prediction.
Research suggests women with a history of gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A study of over 37,000 mothers who gave birth in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976 found five cases of pancreatic cancer among those with gestational diabetes.
Researchers found a blood protein, IGFBP-1, linked to obesity and exercise aversion may indicate increased pancreatic cancer risk. The study suggests lifestyle factors modifiable for improved prognosis.
Researchers developed a novel technology using light to probe tissue architecture, enabling subtle changes in tissue to be detected. The technique produced an optic fingerprint from altered tissue, distinguishing patients with cancer at an accuracy approaching 100 percent.
Researchers found that nimesulide, a COX-2 inhibitor, delayed the development of precancerous pancreatic lesions in mice by 90%, potentially offering a new approach to preventing pancreatic cancer in high-risk populations. The study suggests that inhibiting COX-2 may help slow or prevent the progression of pancreatic cancer.