Recent studies have revealed a groundbreaking method in treating pancreatic cancer by focusing on amoeboid cells. These cells are key factors in the cancer’s spread, and inhibiting a specific molecule, CD73, can limit their detrimental effects. This discovery offers a novel therapeutic avenue for one of the most lethal cancers, known for its poor survival outcomes.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have led this pivotal study, conducting experiments on mice. They identified a particular cell type that accelerates the spread of pancreatic cancer and pinpointed a vulnerability that could be targeted using existing drugs. This approach holds significant promise in combating pancreatic cancer.
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The Role of Amoeboid Cells in Pancreatic Cancer
The study, published in Science Advances and financed by Barts Charity and Cancer Research UK, observed that amoeboid cells, which are aggressive, invasive, and capable of weakening the immune system, are prevalent in pancreatic cancer. Known to be involved in other cancers like melanoma and breast cancer, their presence in pancreatic cancer is a novel discovery. These cells produce high levels of CD73, promoting cancer spread and immune system suppression. Blocking CD73 resulted in reduced cancer spread and fewer immune cells aiding the tumor.
Exploring Treatment Possibilities
The study’s findings are encouraging, showing a significant decrease in cancer spread to the liver in mice treated with anti-CD73 drugs, both in short-term and long-term scenarios. Although further human trials are necessary, these findings indicate that blocking CD73 could be an effective strategy against pancreatic cancer, especially since CD73-blocking drugs are already undergoing clinical trials.
The presence of amoeboid cells in both early and late stages of pancreatic cancer suggests that early intervention in blocking CD73 could curb the aggressive nature of these cells, offering a new treatment pathway.
Insights from Experts
Professor Victoria Sanz-Moreno from Queen Mary University of London expressed optimism about the findings, highlighting their potential in addressing the spread of a highly aggressive and lethal cancer. With over 10,000 annual pancreatic cancer diagnoses in the UK alone, even a slight improvement in survival rates could have significant impacts.
Victoria King from Barts Charity emphasized the challenge of treating cancer spread and the potential impact of these scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Claire Bromley from Cancer Research UK noted the critical need for innovative treatments, given the historical challenges in improving pancreatic cancer survival rates.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Despite progress in early detection and treatment, pancreatic cancer’s survival rates remain dismally low. The researchers are planning to extend their research to other cancers, including breast cancer, to explore the link between amoeboid cells and CD73 further.
Reference: “CD73 controls Myosin II–driven invasion, metastasis, and immunosuppression in amoeboid pancreatic cancer cells” by Remi Samain et al., published on 18 October 2023 in Science Advances. The study was funded by Barts Charity, Cancer Research UK, and the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, with a focus on non-animal study components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
What is the new approach for treating pancreatic cancer?
The new approach involves targeting amoeboid cells and the molecule CD73 in pancreatic cancer. This strategy aims to hinder the spread of cancer and reduce its impact on the immune system, offering a promising direction for treatment.
How do amoeboid cells affect pancreatic cancer?
Amoeboid cells are aggressive and invasive, known to facilitate the spread of pancreatic cancer. They produce high levels of CD73, which promotes cancer proliferation and weakens the immune response.
What are the implications of the study on CD73 and pancreatic cancer?
The study suggests that blocking CD73 could significantly reduce the spread of pancreatic cancer. This is based on findings from experiments on mice, where anti-CD73 treatment lowered the incidence of cancerous tumors spreading to the liver.
Who conducted the research on this new pancreatic cancer treatment?
The research was led by scientists from Queen Mary University of London and was published in Science Advances. It was funded by Barts Charity and Cancer Research UK.
What is the potential impact of this new treatment approach?
If successful in human trials, this approach could improve the survival rates of pancreatic cancer, which is currently one of the deadliest cancers with very low survival rates. Early intervention in blocking CD73 could also reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells.
More about Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
- Pancreatic Cancer Research
- Amoeboid Cells in Cancer
- CD73 and Cancer Treatment
- Queen Mary University of London Studies
- Barts Charity Cancer Research
- Cancer Research UK Insights
4 comments
I read about CD73 before but didnt know it was this crucial in pancreatic cancer, good to see science advancing in the right direction.
so they found these amoeboid cells in other cancers too? That’s kinda scary but also a big opportunity for treatments, right?
really interesting study, it’s amazing how much progress we’re making in cancer research these days. hope this leads to real breakthroughs for patients.
Why hasnt this been discovered earlier, pancreatic cancer has been a major issue for so long. Glad to see some progress but feels late?