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DNA origami guides new possibilities in the fight against pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed DNA origami structures that selectively deliver fluorescent imaging agents to pancreatic cancer cells, enabling more accurate cancer imaging and selective chemotherapy delivery. The study also explored the use of origami-folded DNA molecules loaded with chemotherapy drugs for targeted delivery to cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 22, 2025

AACR: Advancements in combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, organoid-based platform for personalized head and neck cancer treatment, liquid biopsies for cancer detection and more

Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings on combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, including a new organoid model for personalized head and neck cancer treatment. Additionally, they are discussing the potential of liquid biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring.

In pancreatic cancer, a race against time

Scientists have found a way to effectively 'intercept' pancreatic cancer by targeting the KRAS and FGFR2 genes. This approach slows tumor formation and reduces the number of 'early versions' of cancer in the pancreas. Researchers believe this therapy could be a game-changer for patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 2, 2025

Mayo Clinic researchers identify a measurable genetic mutation as a significant predictor of metastasis and survival in pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that detectable mutant KRAS circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) indicates a higher risk of cancer spread and worse survival rates for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The study suggests that ctDNA assays should be performed prior to treatment to have the highest yield.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMar 19, 2025

Prognostic power of the micropapillary pattern in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A game changer

Researchers studied the prognostic power of micropapillary patterns in PDAC, finding that even small percentages serve as independent prognostic factors for decreased survival. The study suggests incorporating micropapillary pattern percentage into pathology reports could enhance patient management strategies.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateJan 20, 2025

Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

A pioneering study of 192 Brazilian patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma identified genetic variants associated with the disease. The researchers found that 6.25% had pathogenic germline variants in genes predisposing to pancreatic cancer, and 13% had variants in genes associated with limited or previously unknown associations.

Cancer research: Small change with a big impact

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that different mutations of the tumour suppressor p53 affect pancreatic carcinomas differently. The study found that two variants of p53 selectively control distinct metabolic pathways, providing new insights into cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2024

Controlling cancer cells’ gluttony for glutamine

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that pancreatic cancer cells rely on a specific nutrient, glutamine, to fuel their unchecked growth. The study identified two enzymes, aPKC zeta and iota, that play a regulatory role in the process of macropinocytosis, allowing cancer cells to scavenge alternative resources.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Gut dysbiosis and fecal microbiota transplantation in pancreatic cancer: Current status and perspectives

Research highlights the role of gut dysbiosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with specific microbial profiles associated with PDAC. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is proposed as a potential adjunct therapy to improve patient outcomes through microbiome modulation and immune system recalibration.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateNov 7, 2024

The World Health Organization system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytopathology: Standardized categories and practical approaches to pancreatic lesions

The World Health Organization's seven-tiered system standardizes the reporting of pancreaticobiliary cytopathology, providing a framework for guiding interpretation of cytology samples and their clinical management. Ancillary testing plays a crucial role in enhancing diagnostic precision, especially in challenging cases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateNov 6, 2024

University of Toronto study uncovers new role for cell’s waste disposal system in spread of pancreatic cancer

Researchers discovered that INPP4B drives the movement of lysosomes to the periphery of pancreatic cancer cells, releasing their contents into the extracellular space and disrupting the structural support network. This process enables the cells to migrate and invade other tissues, making it easier for the cancer to spread.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Scan based on lizard saliva detects rare tumor

Researchers developed a new PET scan that accurately visualizes benign tumors in the pancreas, known as insulinomas, which can cause low blood sugar levels. The Exendin-PET scan uses a substance found in lizard saliva to detect these tumors, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Old chemo drug, new pancreatic cancer therapy?

Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a rare type of pancreatic cancer. Folinic acid has been found to weaken the cancer's defenses by elevating levels of anti-cancer immune molecules, enabling a more effective immune response and slower tumor growth.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2024

Faster detection of pancreatic cancer

A new method for detecting pancreatic cancer has been introduced using glycopeptide probes that selectively detect specific antibodies in blood samples. These probes mimic tumor-associated antigens and show promise for early detection screenings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Preventing cancer cells from colonizing the liver

Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024