http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/pancreatic_cancer/ Read about the latest medical research concerning pancreatic cancer and other disorders of the pancreas. Consider new treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/pancreatic_cancer/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521213510.htm By simply shining a tiny light within the small intestine, close to that organ’s junction with the pancreas, physicians have been able to detect pancreatic cancer 100 percent of the time in a small study. The light, attached to a probe, measures changes in cells and blood vessels in the small intestine produced by a growing cancer in the adjoining pancreas. Mon, 21 May 2012 21:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521213510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193129.htm The strategy used by Google to decide which pages are relevant for a search query can also be used to determine which proteins in a patient's cancer are relevant for the disease progression. Thu, 17 May 2012 19:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070305.htm Researchers have identified a new biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, an often-fatal disease for which there is currently no reliable method for early detection or therapeutic intervention. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102138.htm Three-dimensional clusters of pancreatic beta-cells that live much longer and secrete more insulin than single cells grown in the laboratory are valuable new tools for studying pancreatic diseases such as diabetes and for testing novel therapies. Growing pancreatic cells in the laboratory is challenging, in part because to survive and function normally they require cell-cell contact. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404102138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402112934.htm Scientists have coupled the fungal toxin amanitin to an antibody which recognizes a cancer-typical target molecule. Like a guided missile, the antibody carries its poisonous load to target cancer cells. The poison-loaded antibody arrested the growth of various types of cancer cells in the culture dish and even caused the complete disappearance of transplanted pancreatic tumors in experimental mice. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402112934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319133904.htm Pancreas cancer tumors spread quickly and are notoriously resistant to treatment, making them among the deadliest of malignancies. Their resistance to chemotherapy stems in part from a unique biological barrier the tumor builds around itself. Now scientists have found a way to break through that defense, and their research represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of pancreas cancer. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319133904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312152643.htm Scientists have identified more than 500 genes that may cause or contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. This particularly deadly disease has a 1-in-20 survival rate after five years, largely because no effective genetic screening method exists for early detection. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120312152643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101817.htm The American Cancer Society estimates that 44,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed this year and that 37,000 people will die from the disease. These are not strong odds. A new drug, rigosertib, allows pancreatic cancer cells to rush through replication -- and then stops them cold, killing them in in the middle of a step called M phase. Healthy cells that don't rush are unharmed. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185127.htm Summary of the first prospective study to provide strong evidence of increased breast and pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with Lynch syndrome, who carry certain inherited genetic mutations in DNA repair genes. The study is also the first to show that relatives of people with Lynch syndrome who do not carry these mutations have no increased risk of cancer. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092725.htm A medical researcher has developed a cancer vaccine that can prolong the life expectancy of patients with pancreatic cancer. Now he is testing a new vaccine that hopefully is able to kill all types of cancer cells. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092412.htm A mutant protein found in nearly all pancreatic cancers plays a role not only in the cancer’s development but in its continued growth, according to a new study. The finding suggests a possible target for developing new ways to treat this deadly disease. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133157.htm Penn researchers have discovered that pancreatic cancer cells in an animal model begin to spread before clinically obvious tumor tissue is detected. What’s more, they showed that inflammation enhances cancer progression in part by facilitating a cellular transformation that leads to entry of cancer cells into the circulation. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211827.htm Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's own immune system attacking its pancreatic islet beta cells and requires daily injections of insulin to regulate the patient's blood glucose levels. A new method uses stem cells from cord blood to re-educate a diabetic's own T cells and consequently restart pancreatic function reducing the need for insulin. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155729.htm A well-known protein complex responsible for controlling how DNA is expressed plays a previously unsuspected role in preventing pancreatic cancer, according to researchers. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091834.htm Mutations in the ATM gene may increase the hereditary risk for pancreatic cancer, according to new research. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094847.htm A simple online calculator could offer family GPs a powerful new tool in tackling two of the most deadly forms of cancer, say researchers. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190156.htm Researchers have developed a vaccine that dramatically reduces tumors in a mouse model. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211133958.htm A rare genetic disorder has given researchers a surprising insight into how the pancreas develops. The finding provides a clue to how it may be possible to 'program' stem cells – master cells in the body that can develop into specialized cells – to become pancreatic cells. Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111211133958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123190358.htm An inexpensive drug that treats Type 2 diabetes has been shown to prevent a number of natural and human-made chemicals from stimulating the growth of breast cancer cells, according to a new study. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123190358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122153854.htm Researchers have discovered the novel protective role dendritic cells play in the pancreas. The new study shows dendritic cells can safeguard the pancreas against acute pancreatitis, a sudden dangerous swelling and inflammation of the pancreas gland. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122153854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132243.htm Pancreatic cancer is a particularly challenging one to beat; it has a tendency to spread and harbors cancer stem cells that stubbornly resist conventional approaches to therapy. Now, researchers have evidence to suggest there is a way to kill off those cancer stem cells. The target is a self-renewal pathway known for its role not in cancer but in embryonic stem cells. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114943.htm Cigarette smoking appears to impair pancreatic duct cell function -- even for those who quit -- putting all smokers at risk of compromised digestive function regardless of age, gender and alcohol intake, according to the results of a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185639.htm Particular types of mouth bacteria, some of which are found in gum disease, are associated with the development of pancreatic cancer, indicates a small study. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006193826.htm Researchers in Japan have discovered how a patient's neural stem cells could be used as an alternative source of the beta cells needed for a regenerative treatment for diabetes. The research reveals how harvesting stem cells could overcome a lack of beta cell transplants from donors. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006193826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180141.htm Researchers are reporting promising results of a clinical trial to determine the safety, tolerability and effectiveness for usage of a new drug combination consisting of a standard drug called gemcitabine and a drug called nab-paclitaxel for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111810.htm An analysis of more than 30,000 cancer patients has shown that blood clots are a more common complication than doctors may realize, causing additional hospitalizations and driving up the cost of care, according to a new study. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103825.htm A new type of nanoparticle has shown potential for more effective delivery of chemotherapy to treat cancer. In laboratory studies, researchers developed and tested a new type of nanoparticle that can deliver larger amounts of a drug and will not leak the drug as the particle circulates through the blood stream on its way to the target. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920103825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082746.htm Two newer drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes could be linked to a significantly increased risk of developing pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and one could also be linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a new study. Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110917082746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915134414.htm The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is essential for KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer development, according to new study results. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915134414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915131546.htm Researchers are investigating a potential treatment and noninvasive imaging modality for pancreatic cancer that shows promise, according to researchers. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915131546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817101953.htm Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high resolution optical imaging technique that works by bouncing near-infrared laser light off biological tissue, can reliably distinguish between pancreatic cysts that are low-risk and high-risk for becoming malignant. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817101953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163413.htm Pancreatic cancer researchers have shown, for the first time, that blocking a receptor of a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) reduces cancer cell growth by activating the enzyme AMPK to inhibit fatty acid synthase, the ingredients to support cell division. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725152858.htm Researchers report in a new study that using a tumor marker, serum CA 19-9, combined with an endoscopic ultrasound if the tumor marker is elevated, is more likely to detect stage 1 pancreatic cancer in a high-risk population than by using the standard means of detection. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725152858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720142121.htm Scientists have developed a gene-based test to distinguish harmless from precancerous pancreatic cysts. The test may eventually help some patients avoid needless surgery to remove the harmless variety. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720142121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121426.htm Scientist have now derived embryonic-like stem cells from adult stem cells that appear to retain their effectiveness in producing insulin in the human body. This research may promise a new avenue of treatment that avoids costly and dangerous pancreas transplants. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110713121426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630142849.htm Scientists have provided more clues to one of the least understood phenomena in some cancers: why the "ends caps" of cellular DNA, called telomeres, lengthen instead of shorten. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110630142849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123147.htm Vaccines that save lives by preventing disease have been around for centuries. Now, new vaccines that treat cancer are being developed, but how they will be combined with existing treatments is not clear. U.S. researchers now recommend that a national strategy be developed for bringing therapeutic cancer vaccines to patient care, so that cancers with less effective treatment options are priority targets. Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608123147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511101147.htm Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of any of the major cancers, and of the 43,000-plus Americans diagnosed with the disease each year, more than 94 percent die within five years of diagnosis. One reason for this high number of deaths is a lack of effective screening tools for catching the disease early. Now, in an effort to try to gain the upper hand on this deadly form of cancer, researchers believe they have found a new way to test for pancreatic cancer with DNA testing of patients' stool samples. Wed, 11 May 2011 10:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110511101147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509113725.htm Oncolytic viruses quickly infect and kill cancer stem cells, which may provide a treatment for tumors that are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation, particularly pancreatic cancer, according to new research. The findings are especially important since pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and is difficult to detect and treat at early stages. Mon, 09 May 2011 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110509113725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131933.htm Researchers have identified a protein that shows distinct changes in structure between pancreatic cancer, non-cancerous diseases and normal blood serum. The finding suggests a blood test could serve as a potential screening tool to detect pancreatic cancer. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110427131933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411121529.htm Solving part of a medical mystery, researchers have established a link between molecules found in an inflamed pancreas and the early formation of pancreatic cancer -- a discovery that may help scientists identify new ways to detect, monitor and treat this deadly disease. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411121529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084318.htm The use of aspirin at least once per month is associated with a significant decrease in pancreatic cancer risk, new research suggests. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331163512.htm Lung cancer death rates in women have fallen for the first time in four decades, according to an annual report on the status of cancer. The drop comes about 10 years after lung cancer deaths in men began to fall, a delay that reflects the later uptake of smoking by women in the middle of the last century. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331163512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153009.htm Researchers have discovered a novel way of treating pancreatic cancer by activating the immune system to destroy the cancer's scaffolding. The strategy was tested in a small cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, several of whose tumors shrank substantially. The team believes their findings -- and the novel way in which they uncovered them -- could lead to quicker, less expensive cancer drug development. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110324153009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322114823.htm A protein provides protection against the effects of alcohol in the pancreas. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments to reduce the chances of people developing pancreatic cancer. Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322114823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315141234.htm Scientists report they have used hydroxychloroquine, a drug routinely prescribed for malaria and rheumatoid arthritis, to shrink or slow the growth of notoriously resistant pancreatic tumors in mice. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110315141234.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314163433.htm Heavy alcohol consumption, specifically three or more glasses of liquor a day, is associated with an increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer, according to a new report. Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314163433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110309162127.htm Researchers have identified a chemical compound that may eventually lead to a drug that fights cancers that are dependent on a particular anti-viral enzyme for growth. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110309162127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303163330.htm Researchers have identified a protein that can be modified to improve the effectiveness of one of the most common drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110303163330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110221120951.htm Two separate studies identify a protein that drives tumor-promoting inflammation in pancreatic and breast tumors. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110221120951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209175757.htm In an international Phase III randomized study, everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), has shown to dramatically improve progression-free survival for patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), according to researchers. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110209175757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110121202202.htm Scientists have deciphered the genetic code for a type of pancreatic cancer, called neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors. The work shows that patients whose tumors have certain coding "mistakes" live twice as long as those without them. Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110121202202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119151818.htm Scientists took a step back to a simpler organism -- a common roundworm -- and made a discovery about how the Ras oncogene chooses a signaling pathway and how the consequences of that choice play out in cellular development -- a key issue in cancer, which is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110119151818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113141603.htm Researchers have discovered massive overexpression of satellite repeats -- certain DNA sequences that do not code for proteins -- in some common tumor cells, findings that may improve knowledge of tumor development and lead to a novel cancer biomarker. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110113141603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111133228.htm Cancer researchers have found a way to stop early stage pancreatic cancer in research models -- a result that has far-reaching implications in chemoprevention for high-risk patients. Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111133228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101403.htm Researchers in Japan have found that the TRPM2 ion channel in pancreatic beta-cells is important for insulin secretion stimulated by glucose and gastrointestinal hormone (incretin) secreted after food intake. Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110104101403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101215113247.htm By determining what goes missing in human cells when the gene that is most commonly mutated in pancreatic cancer gets turned on, scientists have discovered a potential strategy for therapy. Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101215113247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115174009.htm A study involving 30 patients suggests that robotic-assisted surgery involving complex pancreatic procedures can be performed safely in a high-volume facility, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101115174009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101108140408.htm Gefitinib may be a promising chemoprevention agent for pancreatic cancer, according to new study. Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101108140408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101105101400.htm For almost three decades, scientists and physicians have known that a gene called the KRAS oncogene is mutated in virtually all pancreatic cancers, making it an important target for scientists looking for a way to stop the growth of pancreatic cancer tumors. Medical researchers have now narrowed the focus of this scientific quest to a protein called RGL2. Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101105101400.htm