Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, with fewer than 10 percent of patients surviving five years after diagnosis.
A researcher at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is working on a promising new treatment that could change the outlook for this deadly disease.
Ahmet Kaynak, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UC’s College of Medicine, has been studying the unique tumor environment that makes pancreatic cancer so resistant to treatment.
This environment, often called the tumor microenvironment, includes not only the tumor cells themselves but also nearby immune cells, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues.
In pancreatic cancer, this microenvironment creates conditions that block the immune system from fighting the cancer, limit the ability of drugs to reach the tumor, and make the disease resistant to chemotherapy, radiation, and even immunotherapy.
“We asked what factors in this environment lead to the suppression of the immune system,” Kaynak explained.
His research identified one protein in particular, called Hsp70, as a key contributor.
While Hsp70’s role in maintaining normal cell health has long been understood, its part in protecting tumors from immune attack had not been fully recognized until now.
Building on this discovery, Kaynak and his colleagues developed a new drug called SapC-DOPG.
This treatment was designed to target pancreatic cancer cells by binding to a lipid called phosphatidylserine found on their surface.
Importantly, SapC-DOPG also targets Hsp70 inside the cancer cells, disrupting its ability to shield the tumor. In animal models, the drug not only reduced tumor size but also extended survival time, and it was well tolerated with no serious side effects.
This research builds on the work of Kaynak’s mentor, Xiaoyang Qi, Ph.D., who previously developed a similar drug called SapC-DOPS.
That earlier version is now in Phase 2 clinical trials as a treatment for lung cancer, and its safety in patients has already been demonstrated. The success of SapC-DOPS strengthens hopes that SapC-DOPG could follow a similar path in pancreatic cancer.
Kaynak presented his findings at the American Association for Cancer Research’s Special Conference in Pancreatic Cancer on September 28 in Boston. One of his recent papers was also honored as the Cancer Center’s Trainee Associate Membership Paper of the Year.
Looking ahead, Kaynak hopes SapC-DOPG can move into clinical testing for pancreatic cancer patients. “The safety of the analog SapC-DOPS has been proven in clinical trials,” he said. “We hope our novel drug can also be safely used in patients in the future.”
For Kaynak, the recognition of his research also reflects the strong mentorship and support he has received as a young scientist.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor Dr. Qi and the UC Hematology and Oncology Division for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this project and my academic growth,” he said.
