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Stereotactic body radiation therapy appears to help some patients with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and as effective as standard radiation treatment for certain patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in a short period, resulting in reduced pain and improved quality of life. The treatment also allowed some patient...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2015

The past, present and future of pancreatic cancer research and treatment

Despite recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer biology, researchers have made little progress in finding effective treatments. However, a new review suggests that immunotherapy combined with other treatments may significantly increase patient survival rates, and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 2015

Modeling tumor dormancy

A new computational model developed at Princeton University may help understand tumor dormancy, a phenomenon that can last up to 25 years in pancreatic cancer. The model predicts that tumors are likely to grow rapidly when the number of dividing cells reaches a certain critical level.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2014

The inhibition of a protein opens the door to the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at IMIM have identified galectin-1 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, demonstrating improved survival rates of 20% in mice. The inhibition of this protein mainly affects the immune system and surrounding tumor cells, suggesting a new strategy for treating pancreatic cancer with minimal side effects.

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for March 25, 2014

Researchers found that epigenetic alterations play a crucial role in disrupting intestinal T cell homeostasis, leading to autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease. A novel conditionally immortalized human β cell line has also been developed, offering new avenues for studying β cell properties and proliferation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 25, 2014

Dismantling pancreas cancer's armor

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that removing immune suppressor cells from pancreas tumors triggers a spontaneous anti-tumor immune response, providing hope for future immunotherapy strategies. The study showed that these cells, called granulocyte-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs), actively work ag...

Preclinical study shows potential of new technologies to detect response to cancer therapy earlier

A preclinical study uses ultrasonic molecular imaging and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Perfusion Imaging to measure response to pancreatic cancer therapy. The study reveals that these new technologies can detect molecular signs of tumor response after just 2 days, improving the early identification of therapeutic response.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalTechnology in Cancer Research & Treatment·DateFeb 20, 2013

Taming physical forces that block cancer treatment

Researchers at MGH have identified components responsible for therapy-blocking solid stress and suggest therapeutic strategies. By measuring solid stress in tumor tissues, they found that inhibition of fibroblast growth can reduce solid stress and open up compressed blood vessels, improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2012

New treatment protocol extends survival in some cases of once inoperable pancreatic cancer

A new treatment protocol that includes accurate CT scan analysis and complex surgical technique has significantly increased long-term survival for patients with previously inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. On average, patients lived about 30 months after tumor removal, nearly three times longer than those who never underwent surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 27, 2012

JCI early table of contents for April 9, 2012

Researchers have made significant advancements in treating autoimmune diabetes by harnessing the power of gut bacteria. Additionally, studies on cancer treatment and tumor growth have revealed that vascular normalization can prevent dangerous side effects while enhancing anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, scientists have discovered a coo...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 9, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 19, 2011

A study on mice shows that reducing IRS2 signaling can slow the progression of Huntington disease. Meanwhile, research also finds that circulating glucose levels can modulate neural control of desire for high-calorie foods in humans. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets and new insights into the biology of obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 19, 2011

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine explore treatments for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and patients with severe allergic asthma. Long-acting inhaled beta-agonists were found to increase survival rates over anticholinergics, while omalizumab improved symptoms and quality-of-life sc...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 2, 2011

Everolimus improves progression-free survival for patients with rare pancreatic cancer

A Phase III trial found that everolimus significantly improved progression-free survival for patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, reducing the risk by 65% and increasing median progression-free survival by over six months. Common side effects include stomatitis, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and infections.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2011