Pancreatic cancer, specifically Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a severe form of cancer with a very low survival rate.
A recent study from the Francis Crick Institute has made a significant discovery that could pave the way for new treatments.
Cancer stem cells are unique cells within a tumor that can create new tumors and evolve into various tumor cells. These cells are vital to tumor growth, so understanding them is key to developing effective treatments.
CD9: A Critical Discovery
The study, detailed in Nature Cell Biology, found that a protein called CD9 is always found on the surface of cancer stem cells. CD9 serves as a marker to locate these cells.
But more importantly, it also actively encourages the aggressive behavior of cancer stem cells. When researchers reduced CD9 levels in tumor cells in mice, the tumors were smaller. When they increased CD9 levels, the cancer cells grew large tumors quickly.
Patients with higher levels of CD9 usually have a worse prognosis. About 10% of pancreatic cancer patients show elevated CD9 levels.
Further research revealed that CD9 boosts the cells’ intake of glutamine, an amino acid that fuels cancer growth. This finding opens up new possibilities for treatment.
The Future: Starving Cancer
The study suggests that future treatments could target CD9, disrupting the glutamine supply to cancer stem cells and effectively ‘starving’ the cancer.
This approach could be a significant breakthrough in treating pancreatic cancer, offering hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
In summary, targeting CD9 could be a game-changer in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
By understanding the role of CD9 in cancer cell growth and metabolism, researchers can develop new strategies to inhibit cancer progression, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about a new method to treat cancer effectively, and this low-dose, four-drug combo may block cancer spread.
For more information about cancer prevention, please see recent studies about nutrient in fish that can be a poison for cancer, and results showing this daily vitamin is critical to cancer prevention.
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