Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease. It often grows and spreads quickly, which makes it very hard to treat. This is why doctors and researchers are always looking for better ways to fight it.
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center made a fascinating discovery. They found a unique process inside the body that could become a new way to treat this deadly disease.
Unmasking the Molecular Switch
In their lab, the scientists studied human pancreatic cancer cells and special mice with pancreatic cancer. They discovered a protein called High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1).
This protein acts like a switch. It turns on some genes that help cancer cells to grow quickly and spread.
One of these genes creates something called fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). This compound is released by the cancer cells.
It not only encourages the cancer cells to grow and invade other parts of the body, but it also helps build a strong, fibrous wall around the cancer cells, which is known as the stroma.
Stroma: The Shield of Tumors
This stroma, or scar-like wall, is often found around pancreatic tumors. It forms a protective barrier that stops treatments from reaching the cancer cells.
By studying this process, scientists hope to find new ways to treat pancreatic cancer more effectively.
Flipping the Switch Off
The researchers wanted to see what would happen if they stopped HMGA1 from working or blocked the FGF19 signals.
They did this in the special mice and saw that the cancer cells didn’t grow as much and didn’t create as much stroma.
This is promising because it suggests that if we could do the same in humans, it might slow down the growth of pancreatic cancer.
Repurposing Available Medicines
There are already drugs available that can block the FGF19 signals. These drugs are being used to treat other diseases.
The researchers suggest that these drugs could be used to treat pancreatic tumors that have a high level of FGF19.
Studies show that up to a quarter of all human pancreatic cancers have high levels of HMGA1 and FGF19. This makes these proteins potential targets for new treatments.
The Importance of HMGA1
Dr. Linda Resar, a professor at Johns Hopkins, led this study. She explained that HMGA1 is present in many pancreatic cancers.
It has also been found in other aggressive cancers. This suggests that HMGA1 has a key role in how these cancers progress.
In their lab, Dr. Resar and her team used several methods to disrupt HMGA1 and FGF19. They found that stopping these proteins from working decreased the growth of the cancer cells.
A Hopeful Future
The team discovered a new process where cancer cells use HMGA1 and FGF19 to grow and form the protective stroma.
This is exciting because it offers a new way to fight pancreatic cancer. The researchers are now studying more tumors to see if blocking FGF19 could be a useful treatment.
In conclusion, the researchers have made a significant discovery that could lead to a new treatment for pancreatic cancer.
This treatment might be more effective and could improve the lives of people with this dangerous disease.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about new vaccine to prevent pancreatic cancer, and many existing drugs can kill cancer.
For more information about cancer risk, please see recent studies about drug that can strengthen immune system to fight cancer, and results showing Aspirin may boost survival in these cancers.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
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