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Scientists have finally uncovered a crucial DNA key that could pave the way for new treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer affects over half a million people annually and has the lowest survival rates among major cancers. However, a team of international researchers from the US and UK has identified a critical genetic flaw that might hold the key to combating this aggressive disease.
Dr. Maria Hatziapostolou, a prominent researcher at Nottingham Trent University’s John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, emphasized the pressing need to understand how pancreatic cancer spreads. This latest study focused on decoding the mechanisms behind the rapid progression of the disease.
The researchers discovered that pancreatic cancer’s growth and spread are driven by the inactivation of key molecules within the HNF4A gene. This gene is vital for the proper functioning of essential organs. The disruption, caused by a process called DNA methylation, prevents the gene from controlling cell growth, thereby promoting the cancer’s spread.
Dr. Hatziapostolou shared her insights with the Guardian, stating, “This work has provided new understanding and knowledge of how cancer behaves, and will hopefully help pave the way for potential new treatments in the future.”
The study involved analyzing both healthy tissue and pancreatic cancer biopsies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease. One of the biggest challenges in combating pancreatic cancer is its frequent diagnosis at advanced stages, where treatment options are severely limited. Currently, over half of the patients do not survive beyond three months after diagnosis.
This research marks a crucial first step in improving patient outcomes. Scientists now aim to reverse the effects of DNA methylation and restore the function of the HNF4A gene. This could lead to the development of new drugs that can halt the progression of pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Chris Macdonald, head of research at Pancreatic Cancer UK, highlighted the urgent need for better treatment options, stating, “We desperately need kinder and more effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer. The majority of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, with 80% not being detected until after the disease has spread and is no longer operable.”
The fight against pancreatic cancer has seen rapid advancements. Earlier this year, MIT CSAIL researchers introduced AI programs for early detection, and the Houston Methodist Academic Institute developed a rice grain-sized device to deliver drugs directly to the pancreatic tumor.
This significant study involved researchers from the University of Nottingham, Stanford University, the University of California, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The research was funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK.
