Articles tagged with Pancreatic Cancer
A simulated screening process for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from trials. The study found that nutrition and infectious disease criteria disproportionately excluded Black patients, while a history of prior cancer treatment excluded more...
A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.
Researchers at Purdue University have successfully reversed pancreatic cancer progression in a new model called the acinus, which produces digestive enzymes. The study found that reactivating the PTF1a gene in cancerous cells converted them back into normal cells, revealing a potential path to treating pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed a novel therapy called MS67 that effectively fights acute myeloid leukemia with mixed lineage leukemia rearrangement. The therapy degrades the WDR5 protein, which drives the proliferation of this type of leukemia and other cancers such as pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to prime the tumor environment to make chemotherapy more effective for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. By reducing stiffness and density of connective tissue, cancer spread was reduced by up to 50%. The study paves the way for a clinical trial to assess the therapy approach's effectiveness.
Researchers found that antidepressants inhibit the growth of pancreatic and colon cancers in mice by blocking a mechanism used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. The findings suggest a promising approach for combining antidepressant drugs with immunotherapy to treat incurable cancers.
Researchers discovered a combination of two drugs can reduce inflammation following chemotherapy, preventing metastasis in pancreatic and liver cancer. The treatment targets the sEH and EP4 pathways, modulating inflammation to resolve cytokine storms.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified promising new targets for pancreatic cancer treatment and early detection, including glycosylated proteins that could be captured in the blood for diagnosis. The study also suggests new ways to improve immune response to these tumors.
Pancreatic cells display adaptive response to repeated inflammatory episodes, reprogramming gene expression and epigenetic regulation that cooperates with mutant KRAS to promote tumor formation. Inflammation drives long-term changes in epithelial cells that select for cancer-causing mutations.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have found the specific protein responsible for keeping cells attached to collagen, a key finding for cancer research. The discovery could lead to new directions for cancer treatment by targeting the protein tropomyosin, which is involved in forming the anchor's chain.
Researchers at MIT developed a new way to grow pancreatic organoids using synthetic gel, allowing for study of interactions between tumors and environment. The gel can also be used to grow other types of tissue, including intestinal and endometrial tissue.
A population-based cohort study in Canada identified mortality patterns for different types of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), revealing varying risks of cancer-related and non-cancer death. The study found that small NETs can be safely monitored, while larger tumors may require more aggressive treatment.
Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and Asian Americans remain underrepresented in pancreatic cancer clinical trials, despite federal mandates. The lack of diversity hurts patients and science alike, with racial and ethnic minorities accounting for a disproportionate burden of pancreatic cancer cases.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.
Researchers discovered that hypoxia induces regional variations in gene-expression patterns in pancreatic cancer, with specific subpopulations of cancer cells surviving under hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest a link between hypoxia and aggressive tumor behavior, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
Researchers have developed an immunotherapy strategy that combines three drugs to boost the immune system against tumors. The new therapy showed promising results in mice, with pancreatic tumors shrinking or disappearing completely in about half of the animals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that mebendazole, an anti-parasitic drug, can prevent and slow the growth of pancreatic cancer in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that mebendazole may act similarly to collapsing cancer cells' structure and reducing inflammation.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine developed a new technology for cellular immunotherapy that targets KRAS mutations in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The therapy uses human cells to mobilize an immune system attack on mutated KRAS tumors and shrink them.
Scientists discovered that cells from different organs are differentially susceptible to activating mutations in cancer drivers, leading to distinct outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of understanding tissue-specific genetic networks and interactions to develop precise molecular interventions.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that immune cells can be stimulated to assemble into special structures within pancreatic cancer, improving the efficacy of chemotherapy. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting an anti-tumour immune response in patients.
The MasSpec Pen technology has been shown to accurately identify healthy and cancerous tissue in pancreatic cancer surgeries, giving patients the greatest chance of survival. The device is over 100 times faster than current gold standard diagnostic methods.
Researchers found that reducing PTHrP levels can prevent metastasis and improve survival in mice with pancreatic cancer. The study also showed promising results with anti-PTHrP antibodies targeting human pancreatic cancer cells, offering a new potential treatment approach.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina hosted a virtual symposium to discuss cancer research, particularly pancreatic cancer, and palliative care. Experts shared insights into the development of rare pancreatic tumors, mechanisms leading to metastasis formation, and resilience in palliative care.
A new study has identified a protein called pentraxin 3 (PTX3) that may be used to aid in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. PTX3 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer cells use a backup protein complex to survive when KRAS is blocked, allowing them to continue growing and dividing. This finding highlights the need for drugs that can target multiple molecules in cancer cells to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered a targeted drug, AT7519, effective in thwarting pancreatic tumors addicted to mutant KRAS gene. The study found that this CDK inhibitor selectively kills mutant KRAS-addicted cancer cells.
Researchers found that autophagy and the G2 checkpoint are interrelated processes in pancreatic cancer cells, helping them survive radiotherapy. Inhibiting the G2 checkpoint suppresses tumor growth, suggesting new tools to combat radiation-resistant PDAC cells.
A new study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates the potential of machine learning to identify high-risk patients with pancreatic cancer up to 2 years before diagnosis. The algorithm achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates, identifying 41% of patients under 60 as high risk and 72% of those diagnosed as having a detectable risk. T...
Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease with poorly understood causative factors. Researchers at Osaka University identified disturbed molecular pathways and revealed underlying mechanisms that may inform effective therapy against the disease.
Researchers have developed a prognostic and therapeutic epigenetic biomarker for PDAC patients, predicting which are likely to benefit from traditional chemotherapy. The technology addresses a pressing clinical need by introducing the first ever epigenetic precision medicine approach to pancreatic cancer.
Researchers discovered a two-stage process leading to aggressive pancreatic cancer, where protein loss allows for tumor transformation and immune evasion. The study suggests reinstating the classical subtype could reduce metastasis.
Researchers find a way to target both pancreatic cancer cells and the scar tissue surrounding them, reducing tumor growth and spreading. A new clinical trial aims to test this approach with an existing anti-arthritis drug, potentially improving treatment response and patient survival.
A phase II study by Penn Medicine shows rucaparib helped control cancer growth in patients with BRCA or PALB2 genetic mutations. The results support the use of rucaparib as a maintenance therapy for pancreatic cancer patients, offering a safe and effective alternative to chemotherapy.
Researchers found that about half of pancreatic cancer cell lines are dependent on peroxiredoxin 4 for survival. Targeting PRDX4 led to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells, but not normal cells. This discovery reveals a potential therapeutic window with less toxicity.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have successfully created 3D organoid models of the human pancreas from human stem cells, including both acinar and ductal structures. The new platform could lead to the discovery of markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer.
Nagoya University researchers discovered a molecular pathway that enhances chemotherapy resistance in some pancreatic cancer patients. Targeting the taurine upregulating gene 1 (TUG1) RNA could improve patient response to therapy and increase overall survival.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology reveals that overexpression of the ZIP4 protein in patients with pancreatic cancer enables tumor cells to transform into a shape-shifting form, evading detection and metastasizing to other organs. Understanding this process is crucial for developing targeted therapies to stop metastasis.
Mutant KRAS and p53, the most frequently mutated genes in pancreatic cancer, work together through CREB1 to drive tumor growth and metastasis. Blocking CREB1 reversed these effects and reduced metastases, suggesting a promising new therapeutic target for this deadly cancer.
Researchers found that CD40 agonist treatment before surgery improved T cell attack on tumors, with 82% of treated tumors being T-cell enriched. The treatment also reduced tumor-associated fibrosis and enhanced dendritic cells' maturity. Disease-free survival was 13.8 months, with median overall survival at 23.4 months.
A new study from the University of Arizona Department of Surgery found that pancreatic cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy followed by resection live an average of 19.75 months, compared to 10.12 months for those who received only chemotherapy. The researchers suggest that surgery can improve survival even in difficult cases.
A UCLA team has been awarded two grants totaling $6 million to identify new ways to treat pancreatic cancer. The research aims to untangle the complexities of the disease and develop effective immunotherapeutic approaches.
Researchers discovered pancreatic cancer cells employ macropinocytosis, a novel pathway to procure nutrients when autophagy is inhibited, enabling them to thrive despite starvation. A combination of autophagy and macropinocytosis inhibitors resulted in rapid tumor regression in mouse models.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that blocking macropinocytosis in the thick tissue surrounding a pancreatic tumor slows tumor growth. The study suggests that macropinocytosis is an important driver of pancreatic cancer growth and provides a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that collagen produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts slows tumor progression in pancreatic cancer. Collagen helps block immune signals that lead to suppression of anti-tumor immune response.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that activating nuclear IL-33 in chronic inflammation promotes abnormal cell growth and division, leading to cancer. Inhibiting IL-33's expression may help prevent cancers associated with inflammation.
Researchers predict pancreatic cancer death rates will remain approximately stable for men but continue to rise in women. The researchers predict that 42,300 and 5,000 men in the EU and UK respectively will die from pancreatic cancer by the end of this year.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that high type I IFN signaling is present in a subset of pancreatic tumors, leading to decreased NAD and NADH levels. The combination of IFN signaling and NAMPT inhibitors showed promising results in suppressing tumor growth and reducing liver metastases in mice.
A new drug, ProAgio, has been shown to be effective in treating pancreatic cancer and prolonging survival in mice. It works by inducing apoptosis in cancer-associated fibroblasts, reducing the dense stroma that protects tumors from immune systems and conventional drugs.
Researchers identified systemic inflammation as a potential biomarker for predicting patient response to CD40 immunotherapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. Patients with systemic inflammation had worse overall survival rates than those without, suggesting that immune therapies may be less effective in these cases.
MSK scientists found that tissue damage synergizes with specific genetic changes to promote the earliest stages of pancreatic cancer. The researchers identified epigenetic changes that distinguish normal repair processes from cancer-initiating ones at the molecular level.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer changes its microenvironment to evade immune cells, which can be reversed by targeting a specific protein called STAT1. This finding offers a new approach to immunotherapy for this deadly cancer.
Researchers have created a powerful therapeutic platform using a modified virus to treat pancreatic cancer. The treatment, which combines the virus with other drugs, remodels the tumour microenvironment and sensitizes tumours to immunotherapy, significantly extending survival in preclinical models.
A protein called CEACAM7 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, offering a safer alternative to current treatments. This discovery has led to the successful development of CAR T cell therapy, which effectively targeted and killed pancreatic cancer cells in a pre-clinical model.
A randomized clinical trial found that pre-surgery chemotherapy did not improve survival rates in early-stage pancreatic cancer patients, but it is a safer alternative. The study paved the way for further treatment testing and molecular analysis of tumor tissue.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found a potential link between opioid use and increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The study, which analyzed data from 1999-2016, suggests that opioid consumption may be an unidentified risk factor contributing to the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer in the US.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel drug targeting LAT1 to deliver radionuclides into malignant tumors, selectively killing cancer cells. The approach offers high therapeutic effects with few side-effects, revolutionizing radionuclide therapy for pancreatic cancer and other malignancies.
A recent study published in Oncogenesis suggests that a compound derived from the thunder god vine can attack 'super-enhancers' in the DNA of cancer cells, as well as the stroma surrounding the tumor. This disruption leads to accelerated cancer cell death and improved clinical outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Scientists have developed a new combination therapy that suppresses the MAPK pathway by holding cancer-driving proteins in a death grip. The treatment has shown promise in treating aggressive subtypes of cancers with specific mutations in genes called RAS or NF1.
Post-neoadjuvant therapy changes in metabolic metrics from PET/MRI and morphologic metrics from CT were associated with pathologic response and overall survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Serum CA 19-9 levels did not predict pathologic response or survival.
A team of researchers identified a process that promotes the growth of pancreatic cancers and developed a method to disrupt it. By inhibiting adhesion molecule CDH11, they were able to reduce tumor growth, increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and extend mouse survival.