Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Promising results for chemo-immunotherapy combination against pancreatic cancer, Penn study finds

Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy increased one-year survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with anti-PD-1/chemo regimen showing the highest response. The study identified key immune system biomarkers associated with better outcomes, offering new hope for precision oncology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2022

High fat diet, unregulated athletic exercise endurance enhancers linked to risk of pancreatic cancer

A study found that high fat diets and synthetic substances in unregulated athletic performance enhancers can activate a receptor accelerating the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice. Limiting exposure to these substances may help prevent pancreatic cancer development.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Cedars-Sinai April research highlights

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCancer Biomarkers·DateApr 29, 2022

AI may detect earliest signs of pancreatic cancer

A new study indicates that artificial intelligence can accurately predict who will develop pancreatic cancer based on pre-diagnostic CT scan images. The AI tool was trained to analyze textural differences in the pancreas and achieved an accuracy rate of 86% in identifying those who would eventually develop the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCancer Biomarkers·DateApr 26, 2022

The protein that keeps the pancreas from digesting itself

Researchers identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR γ) as crucial for preventing pancreatic auto-digestion in mice. In humans, lower levels of ERR γ were found in cells affected by pancreatitis. These findings suggest new therapies regulating ERR γ activity could help prevent or treat these conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGastroenterology·DateApr 21, 2022

Pancreatic cancer cells harness normal tissue turnover to build protective barriers

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Novel therapeutic strategy shows promise against pancreatic cancer

Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel therapeutic strategy that uses bacteria to deliver tetanus toxin into pancreatic tumor cells, inducing an immune response and killing the cancer. The treatment has shown promise in reducing cancer metastases by 87% and increasing mouse lifespan by 40%.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Even at best hospitals, low-income older cancer patients struggle after surgery

A new study found that dual-eligible patients for Medicare and Medicaid have poorer outcomes and higher costs after cancer surgery, even in high-quality hospitals. These patients are more likely to experience complications, longer hospital stays, and lower chances of going home instead of a nursing facility.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Pushing past pancreatic tumors’ defenses

Researchers discovered that cancer cells use a combination of proteins to repel T cells and protect themselves from the immune system. By disabling this protection, scientists were able to allow T cells to infiltrate and attack pancreatic tumors, leading to shrinkage or disappearance.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2022

“Inflaming” cold tumors

Scientists at Technical University of Munich discovered a promising combination therapy for mesenchymal PDAC subtype, showing improved T-cell infiltration and cell cycle arrest when using nintedanib with trametinib. The treatment significantly improves the response of highly aggressive mesenchymal PDAC subtypes in mice.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Lighting up tough pancreatic cancers

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle system that can deliver fluorescent dyes to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer tumors. The system overcomes the challenge of reaching cells deep within dense tumor masses, enabling detailed images of tumor structures and potentially targeted therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJACS Au·DateFeb 2, 2022

Faulty BRCA genes linked to prostate and pancreatic cancers

A recent study has found that faulty versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and pancreatic cancers in men. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 families and estimated that men who carry a BRCA2 mutation have a 27% risk of developing prostate cancer by age 80.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2022

New review suggests coffee consumption can stimulate digestion

A new review suggests that moderate coffee consumption can stimulate digestive processes and help movement through the colon. The study also found a possible association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of gallstones and certain liver diseases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceKaizo·JournalNutrients·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers identify signaling mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells that could provide treatment targets

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers have identified signaling mechanisms in pancreatic cancer cells that could be targeted for treatment. By inhibiting a specific protein, cancer cells' DNA can become damaged and induce programmed cell death, providing a potential new strategy for treating this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

New symptoms identified that could help doctors diagnose pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified two new symptoms – thirst and dark urine – associated with pancreatic cancer, which could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier. The study found 23 symptoms linked to pancreatic cancer, with patients often experiencing non-specific symptoms up to a year before diagnosis.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021

Some pancreatic cancer clinical trial eligibility criteria may be more likely to disqualify black patients

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 protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021