Gene ‘switched off’ in early stages of pancreatic cancer, allowing rapid tumour growth and spread
Researchers have discovered that pancreatic cancer is able to 'switch off' a gene which enables it to become more aggressive.
The findings of a research project that we part-funded from Nottingham Trent University has now been announced, with researchers discovering that pancreatic cancer is able to ‘switch off’ a gene which enables it to become more aggressive.
By analysing pancreatic cancer and healthy tissues, the team of researchers found that pancreatic cancer is able to shut down molecules from a gene which helps many organs to function properly, called HNF4A. With the gene ‘switched off’, pancreatic cancer is able to grow quickly and aggressively.
Currently 7 in 10 people with pancreatic cancer receive no treatment at all, not even chemotherapy. Just 10% of people receive surgery, the only potentially curative treatment, because they are diagnosed too late. Researchers hope this new discovery will pave the way for improved treatment options for the disease.
"Improving our fundamental understanding of what makes pancreatic cancer grow and spread so rapidly is vital if we are to make much needed breakthroughs."
Our Head of Research, Dr Chris Macdonald commented on the findings:
“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. This is reflected in its poor survival rate; over half of people with the disease die within three months of diagnosis. Improving our fundamental understanding of what makes pancreatic cancer grow and spread so rapidly is vital if we are to make much needed breakthroughs.
“This project gives us new information on how pancreatic cancer is able to suppress certain molecules to help it spread aggressively around the body which, in turn, could lead to the development of more effective treatment options in the future.”