Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Targeted treatment could prevent spread of pancreatic cancer, heart damage

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a targeted treatment that can prevent the spread of pancreatic cancer and protect the heart from damage. The treatment, which involves using an mTOR kinase inhibitor, has shown promise in reducing disease progression and cardiac impairment in patients with certain types of tumors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateNov 30, 2017

A metabolic treatment for pancreatic cancer?

Researchers discovered that targeting arginase 2, an enzyme involved in nitrogen metabolism, can curb the growth of pancreatic tumors, especially in obese individuals. The study suggests a novel approach to treating this deadly cancer, with potential for improved survival rates and therapeutic windows.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2017

Researchers identify prognostic indicators of survival following pancreatic tumor removal

A study of 43 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma found two preoperative factors strongly predictive of poor prognosis, regardless of tumor stage. These biomarkers, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index, may help plan treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateAug 10, 2017

Penn researchers help unravel mysteries of pancreatic cancer's resistance to standard therapies

Blocking inflammation after radiation therapy led to improved survival in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. The study found that a form of inflammation triggered by the tumor in response to treatment helps keep tumor cells alive, and that blocking this inflammation can slow tumor growth and prolong survival.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 24, 2017

A niche for metastases

Scientists from TUM discovered that pancreatic cancer cells create a 'niche' in the liver to grow and spread at an exceptionally early stage. This is facilitated by the protein TIMP1, which interacts with hepatic stellate cells to activate them and initiate metastasis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 6, 2016

Johns Hopkins scientists track metabolic pathways to find drug combination for pancreatic cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have discovered a drug combination that specifically targets the metabolic pathways of pancreatic cancer cells. By combining an experimental drug with metformin, researchers were able to shrink tumors by at least 50% in animal models, providing new evidence for treating this aggressive form of cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2016

Boron carrier for targeted tumor therapy

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology created a boron carrier system that uses albumin to target tumors, improving the delivery of boron in cancer treatment. The new system was tested on mice and showed promising results, with high concentrations of boron in tumors and low levels in healthy cells.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateAug 9, 2016

Why cancer drugs can't take the pressure

Researchers discovered that high-pressure environments in solid tumors, fueled by hyaluronic acid, hinder drug delivery. Treatment with an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid can restore vessel expansion and improve treatment outcomes for drug-resistant cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMay 10, 2016

Nanoparticles deliver anticancer cluster bombs

Scientists developed triple-stage nanoparticles that improve tumor penetration and release cisplatin in acidic conditions, enhancing its efficacy while reducing toxic side effects. The delivery system demonstrated significant improvements in anti-tumor activity against various cancer models.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2016

Device hits pancreatic tumors hard with toxic 4-drug cocktail, sparing the body

A new implantable device delivers a toxic 4-drug cocktail directly to pancreatic tumors, limiting widespread side effects and increasing drug delivery by at least three times. This innovative approach shows promising results in halting tumor growth and shrinking tumors, offering new hope for patients with this deadly cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Everolimus improves progression-free survival for patients with advanced, nonfuctional neuroendocrine tumors

The study found that everolimus improved progression-free survival by 52% and increased median progression-free survival by over seven months in patients with advanced, nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common side effects including aphthous ulceration, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and infections.